Caisson

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈkeɪs(É™)n/
• US IPA: ˈkeɪsÉ‘n, ˈkeɪsnÌ©

Origin

Borrowing from fr {{2}} caisson, from Italian cassone.

Full definition of caisson

Noun

1. (engineering) An enclosure, from which water can be expelled, in order to give access to underwater areas for engineering works etc.
• 2003, Bill Bryson, A Short History of Nearly Everything, BCA, p. 213:Caissons were enclosed dry chambers built on river beds to facilitate the construction of bridge piers.
2. The gate across the entrance to a dry dock.
3. (nautical) A floating tank that can be submerged, attached to an underwater object and then pumped out to lift the object by buoyancy; a camel.
4. (military) A two-wheeled, horse-drawn military vehicle used to carry ammunition (and a coffin at funerals).
5. (military) A large box to hold ammunition.
6. (military) A chest filled with explosive materials, used like a mine.
7. (architecture) A coffer.

Derived terms

• caisson disease

Anagrams

• assicon
• casinos