Definitions for caissonˈkeɪ sɒn, -sən

cais•sonˈkeɪ sɒn, -sən(n.)

any of various structures used as a protective environment for workers, esp. one consisting of a pressurized, watertight chamber for use in underwater construction.
Category: Civil Engineering
a float for raising a sunken vessel. a watertight structure built against a damaged hull to render it watertight.
Category: Navy, Nautical
a two-wheeled wagon, used for carrying artillery ammunition.
Category: Military
an ammunition chest.
Category: Military
Category: Architecture
Ref: coffer (def. 4). 4

1695–1705; < F, MF < OPr, der. of caissa box (see case2)

coffer, caisson, lacuna(noun)
an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome
caisson(noun)
a two-wheeled military vehicle carrying artillery ammunition
caisson, ammunition chest(noun)
a chest to hold ammunition
caisson, pneumatic caisson, cofferdam(noun)
large watertight chamber used for construction under water

caisson(Noun)
An enclosure, from which water can be expelled, in order to give access to underwater areas for engineering works etc.
caisson(Noun)
The gate across the entrance to a dry dock.
caisson(Noun)
A floating tank that can be submerged, attached to an underwater object and then pumped out to lift the object by buoyancy; a camel.
caisson(Noun)
A two-wheeled, horse-drawn military vehicle used to carry ammunition (and a coffin at funerals).
caisson(Noun)
A large box to hold ammunition.
caisson(Noun)
A variant of coffer.

Origin: From caisson.

Caisson(noun)
a chest to hold ammunition
Caisson(noun)
a four-wheeled carriage for conveying ammunition, consisting of two parts, a body and a limber. In light field batteries there is one caisson to each piece, having two ammunition boxes on the body, and one on the limber
Caisson(noun)
a chest filled with explosive materials, to be laid in the way of an enemy and exploded on his approach
Caisson(noun)
a water-tight box, of timber or iron within which work is carried on in building foundations or structures below the water level
Caisson(noun)
a hollow floating box, usually of iron, which serves to close the entrances of docks and basins
Caisson(noun)
a structure, usually with an air chamber, placed beneath a vessel to lift or float it
Caisson(noun)
a sunk panel of ceilings or soffits

Citation

"caisson." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 21 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/caisson>.