1. a watertight chamber or box used in construction work underwater or in wet ground, allowing workers to excavate and build foundations
Usage: engineering, construction
2. a large chest or box for storing ammunition or explosives
Usage: military
3. a two-wheeled vehicle used to transport ammunition or supplies, especially in military contexts
Usage: military, historical

Examples

• The engineers used a caisson to build the bridge foundation beneath the river.
• Workers inside the caisson had to decompress slowly to avoid decompression sickness.
• The military caisson carried ammunition to the front lines during the battle.
• The caisson disease, also called the bends, affected divers working in pressurized chambers.
• Decorative caissons were carved into the ceiling of the historic building.
• The construction crew lowered the caisson into the muddy riverbed to create a dry work area.