Cofferdam

Quick meaning: Cofferdam is a noun meaning (engineering) A temporary watertight enclosure used to create a dry foundation for building bridges and other structures over water.

Meaning

(engineering) A temporary watertight enclosure used to create a dry foundation for building bridges and other structures over water.

More Meanings

1. (nautical) An empty space that acts as a protective barrier between two floors or bulkheads on a ship.
2. (dentistry, obsolete) Synonym of dental dam (“barrier to keep the teeth dry during dental work”) (dental sense).

Example Sentences

He stood full six feet in height, with noble shoulders, and a chest like a coffer-dam.

Dr. La Roche then first we are informed made the claim that he knew of and used rubber for a coffer dam prior to Barnum.

Where the viaduct crosses the lake, the piles will be bored directly into the lakebed, using a cofferdam to hold back the water while the pier is built.

I refer to Dr. Barnum, who has given us the coffer-dam. I cannot detain you while I describe the immense benefit which his application of a very simple material has conferred on the public.

Word Forms

• cofferdams
• coffer-dam

Synonyms for cofferdam

Depending on context, synonyms include coffer, caisson.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include caisson, coffer, starling, camber, dock, drawbridge.

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