rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycisternWater storage tank
noun

cistern

SIS-turn/ˈsɪstərn/

A tank for storing water.

The cistern stores water beneath its inlet.

Cistern cutaway showing stored water and inlet.
Etymology
cisternLatinunderground water reservoir

Latin cisterna named an underground water reservoir and came from cista, “chest” or “box.” The underlying connection is containment: a cistern is a storage container specifically for water.

In context

DW Documentary3:08
this cistern. Here, the cloud water is collected. Just a little!
Turning vapor into drinking water - Catching fog in response to drought | DW Documentary

More examples

  • The cistern supplied water during the dry months.
  • Workers repaired a crack in the cistern.
  • A pipe carried roof runoff into the cistern.

Forms

cistern · cisterns

Similar words

tank
Tank is the general container word; cistern especially stores water.
reservoir
A reservoir may be a large open water store; a cistern is a constructed tank.