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.
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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.
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Michael Sangiacomo, cleveland.com, 1 May 2018
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Michael Sangiacomo, cleveland.com, 1 May 2018
Cite this Entry
“Caisson disease.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/caisson%20disease. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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