rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryvatLarge liquid container
noun

vat

VAT/væt/

A large tank for holding or processing liquids.

The large vat holds amber liquid above its bottom drain valve.

A large open industrial vat filled with amber liquid, with a fixed access ladder and bottom drain valve making its scale and liquid-processing function clear.
Etymology
vatOld Englishcontainer, vat

Old English fæt meant a container. English vat came to denote a large tub or cistern, especially one holding liquor while it matured—a particular use closely matching today's liquid-processing vessel.

In context

St Mary's University, London53:17
you may have seen boc um and if you go to a hospital you'll see a great big white vat sometimes it will have oxygen in it
Physics Cafe: How Cool is That!?

More examples

  • The brewery stores beer in enormous vats.
  • She lowers the fabric into a vat of blue dye.
  • We drain and clean each vat after use.

Forms

vat · vats

Similar words

tank
Broader term for containers holding liquids or gases.
tub
Usually smaller and open, often used for washing or bathing.