cofferdam

  1. Noun.  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.
  2. Noun.  (nautical) An empty space that acts as a protective barrier between two floors or bulkheads on a ship.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.