Cofferdam

//ˈkɑ.fɚ.dæm// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A temporary watertight enclosure used to create a dry foundation for building bridges and other structures over water.

    "He stood full six feet in height, with noble shoulders, and a chest like a coffer-dam."

  2. 2
    large watertight chamber used for construction under water wordnet
  3. 3
    An empty space that acts as a protective barrier between two floors or bulkheads on a ship.
  4. 4
    A rubber dam to keep the teeth dry when operating upon them. New-York

    "I refer to Dr. Barnum, who has given us the coffer-dam. I cannot detain you while I describe the immense benefit which his application of a very simple material has conferred on the public."

Etymology

From coffer + dam.

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