Definitions for "Cofferdam"
A water-tight inclosure, as of piles packed with clay, from which the water is pumped to expose the bottom (of a river, etc.) and permit the laying of foundations, building of piers, etc.
A barrier built in the water so as to form an enclosure from which the water is pumped to permit free access to the area within.
temporary watertight enclosure built in water and pumped dry to expose the bottom, so construction can start
the space in a vessel between two closely located parallel bulkheads.
an empty space separating adjacent compartments
An empty narrow space between two adjacent compartments, such as cargo spaces, on board a vessel. The purpose of the cofferdam is to, in the event of a bulkhead failure, prevent any liquids from one compartment from entering the other.