cofferdam

[ kaw-fer-dam, kof-er- ]

noun

1. a watertight enclosure placed or constructed in waterlogged soil or under water and pumped dry so that construction or repairs can proceed under normal conditions.
2. Nautical. a sealed void between two bulkheads, as for insulation or as an extra barrier to the escape of liquids or vapors.

cofferdam

/ ˈkɒfəˌdæm /

noun

1. a watertight structure, usually of sheet piling, that encloses an area under water, pumped dry to enable construction work to be carried out. Below a certain depth a caisson is required
2. (on a ship) a compartment separating two bulkheads or floors, as for insulation or to serve as a barrier against the escape of gas or oil

Word History and Origins

Origin of cofferdam¹

First recorded in 1730–40; coffer + dam ¹

Example Sentences

And the night shift began to repair the cofferdam for old Jezebel had dropped suddenly back into her old trail.

From Project Gutenberg

The foundations were put down by means of a cofferdam which was kept dry by pumping.

From Project Gutenberg

Referring to the cost of cofferdam work, we see that, in order to excavate the 58 cu.

From Project Gutenberg

The lower part of C bulkhead was doubled and was in the form of a cofferdam.

From Project Gutenberg

A hand pump served to keep the cofferdam dry enough for excavating; but in more open material a power pump is usually required.

From Project Gutenberg