semisubmersible

[ sem-ee-suhb-mur-suh-buhl, sem-ahy- ]

noun

1. Also called semisubmersible rig. a self-propelled barge that is mounted on partially submerged legs supported by underwater pontoons, rides at anchor, and serves as a work base and living quarters in deep offshore drilling operations.

adjective

1. of, for, or pertaining to a semisubmersible.

Word History and Origins

Origin of semisubmersible¹

First recorded in 1960–65; semi- + submersible