Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Cofferdam
Cof′fer-dam
,Noun.
A water-tight inclosure, as of piles packed with clay, from which the water is pumped to expose the bottom (of a river, etc.) and permit the laying of foundations, building of piers, etc.
Definition 2024
cofferdam
cofferdam
See also: coffer-dam
English
Noun
cofferdam (plural cofferdams)
- A temporary watertight structure that is pumped dry to enclose an area underwater and allow construction work on a ship, bridge, or rig to be carried out; a caisson.
- (nautical) An empty space that acts as a protective barrier between two floors or bulkheads on a ship.