caisson
/ˈkeɪsɑn/
noun
- A large watertight chamber used for construction work underwater, such as building bridge foundations.
- Diving bells are an early type of caisson used for underwater repairs.
- The engineers lowered a massive caisson into the harbor to create a dry work area.
- Workers inside the caisson dug deep into the riverbed to build the bridge's support.
- A chest or wagon for carrying ammunition, especially in historical military use.
- The museum displayed a Civil War caisson used to transport artillery shells.
- A horse-drawn caisson carried ammunition to the front lines.
- The soldiers loaded the cannonballs into the caisson before the battle.
- A decorative sunken panel in a ceiling, often in a coffered design.
- Each caisson in the cathedral's ceiling was painted with a different scene.
- The architect added wooden caissons to give the room a classic look.
- The old library had a beautiful ceiling with carved caissons.
Synonyms