caisson

• Nom avec plusieurs sens : panneau décoratif en creux dans un plafond ou une coupole ; véhicule militaire à deux roues pour transporter des munitions d'artillerie ; caisse pour stocker des munitions ; ou grand compartiment étanche utilisé pour les travaux sous l'eau.

A noun with multiple meanings: an ornamental sunken panel in a ceiling or dome; a two-wheeled military vehicle carrying artillery ammunition; a chest to hold ammunition; or a large watertight chamber used for construction under water.

1. Architectural panelC1formalart

   An ornamental sunken panel, often square or rectangular, set into a ceiling, dome, or soffit.

   Caisson (architecture)

   • The Renaissance cathedral's dome was decorated with intricate caissons.
   • Each caisson in the ceiling was painted with a floral motif.
   • The architect specified deep caissons to add visual depth to the hall.

   Synonymescoffer

2. Military ammunition wagonC1formal

   A two-wheeled vehicle used to transport artillery ammunition and supplies.

   Caisson d'artillerie

   • The caisson carried shells for the field artillery battery.
   • Horses pulled the caisson across the muddy battlefield.
   • The soldier was responsible for maintaining the caisson and its load.

3. Ammunition chestC1formal

   A sturdy chest or box designed to hold and protect ammunition.

   Caisse à munitions

   • The soldiers opened the caisson to retrieve fresh cartridges.
   • Each caisson was carefully sealed to keep the powder dry.
   • The ammunition caisson was stored in the armory.

   Synonymesammunition chest

4. Underwater construction chamberC1formaltechnical

   A large, watertight box or chamber used for construction work underwater, such as building bridge piers or foundations.

   Caisson de construction sous-marine

   • Workers entered the pressurized caisson to dig the riverbed.
   • The bridge's foundation was built using a massive steel caisson.
   • Engineers used a caisson to create a dry workspace below the waterline.

   Synonymescoffercofferdam