# cofferdam

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈkɑ.fɚ.dæm/

## Definitions
1. A temporary watertight enclosure used to create a dry foundation for building bridges and other structures over water.
2. An empty space that acts as a protective barrier between two floors or bulkheads on a ship.
3. A rubber dam to keep the teeth dry when operating upon them.

## Etymology
From coffer + dam.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/cofferdam