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cofferdam

American  
[kaw-fer-dam, kof-er-] / ˈkɔ fərˌdæm, ˈkɒf ər- /

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 British  
/ 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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of cofferdam

First recorded in 1730–40; coffer + dam 1

Vocabulary lists containing cofferdam

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The Milwaukee-based manufacturer announced its LiveWire this month and plans to offer demo rides to gauge interest nationwide before going into production.

From Washington Times • Jun. 29, 2014

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