semisubmersible

[ sem-ee-suh b-mur-suh-buh l, sem-ahy- ]
/ ˌsɛm i səbˈmɜr sə bəl, ˌsɛm aɪ- /

noun

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.

adjective

of, for, or pertaining to a semisubmersible.

Origin of semisubmersible

First recorded in 1960–65; semi- + submersible

Words nearby semisubmersible

semispheric, semispinal muscle of head, semispinal muscle of neck, semispinal muscle of thorax, semistarvation, semisubmersible, semisubmersible rig, semisubterranean, semisulcus, semisweet, semisynthetic

British Dictionary definitions for semisubmersible rig

semisubmersible rig

noun

(in the oil industry) a type of drilling platform that floats supported by underwater pontoons, with much of its structure below the water line for stability in high winds: usually used only for exploratory drilling for oil or gas Sometimes shortened to: semisubmersible