caisson

Definition

An enclosure from which water can be expelled, in order to give access to underwater areas for engineering works etc.

Etymology

Borrowed from French caisson. Doublet of cassone and cajón.

Example Sentences

• "During the construction of the viaduct, the sinking of the caissons in the river bed caused much difficulty to the engineer and contractors, as a bed of running sand was encountered; in consequence, the expenditure for these foundations proved almost prohibitive."
• "Caissons were enclosed dry chambers built on river beds to facilitate the construction of bridge piers."
• "Over hill, over dale / As we hit the dusty trail, / And those caissons go rolling along."