cofferdam

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

noun

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.
Nautical. a sealed void between two bulkheads, as for insulation or as an extra barrier to the escape of liquids or vapors.

Origin of cofferdam

First recorded in 1730–40; coffer + dam1

Example sentences from the Web for cofferdam

British Dictionary definitions for cofferdam

cofferdam
/ (ˈkɒfəˌdæm) /

noun

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
(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
Often shortened to: coffer