semisubmersible

American  

[sem-ee-suhb-mur-suh-buhl, sem-ahy-] / ˌsɛm i səbˈmɜr sə bəl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

noun

1. Also called semisubmersible rig.  a self-propelled barge that is mounted on partially submerged legs supported by underwater pontoons, rides at anchor, and serves as a work base and living quarters in deep offshore drilling operations.

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adjective

1. of, for, or pertaining to a semisubmersible.

Etymology

Origin of semisubmersible

First recorded in 1960–65; semi- + submersible

Example Sentences

In the fullness of time I expect a move towards something more like a semisubmersible platform, because that would give much more inherent stability and habitability in more challenging weather.

From Slate • Sep. 29, 2012

Brown & Root, a U.S. construction firm, is helping to build two semisubmersible drilling platforms for British Petroleum in Scotland.

From Time Magazine Archive