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caisson disease
noun
: decompression sickness
Note: The name caisson disease stems from the occurrence of decompression sickness in individuals working on tunnel and bridge construction in underwater caissons filled with compressed air.
Examples of caisson disease in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Readers will be shocked to learn that Washington Roebling contracted caisson disease soon after construction began, forcing him to work from his bed while his wife worked at the site.
—Michael Sangiacomo, cleveland.com, 1 May 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1873, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near caisson disease
Cite this Entry
“Caisson disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caisson%20disease. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
caisson disease
nounMedical Definition
caisson disease
noun
cais·son disease
ˈkā-ˌsän-, ˈkās-ᵊn-; British often kə-ˈsün-
More from Merriam-Webster on caisson disease
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about caisson disease
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