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cofferdam Definition

coffer·dam (--dam′)

noun

  1. a watertight temporary structure in a river, lake, etc., for keeping the water from an enclosed area that has been pumped dry so that a bridge foundation, dam, or pier may be constructed
  2. a watertight box or chamber attached to the side of a ship so that repairs can be made below the waterline
  3. an empty space serving as a protective barrier, as between two compartments of a ship

Etymology: coffer + dam

cofferdam Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • pile: The bridge piers are both within large sheet piled cofferdams, which were constructed by our own skilled piling resources.
  • build: McNish built the cofferdam to help keep the ship afloat as long as possible.
  • install: Some accounts have this cofferdam installed in 1955, but I clearly remember that it was in place before the war.

Noun used with modifier

  • pile: These were poured into a number of temporary steel sheet pile cofferdams that were pumped out and the caissons placed in the dry.
  • steel: These were poured into a number of temporary steel sheet pile cofferdams that were pumped out and the caissons placed in the dry.