Added 9 October 2026
cistern
/ˈsɪs.tən/ noun
In Latin: cisterna, lacus Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about cistern at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid.
- A tank that holds the water used to flush a toilet.
- An artificial reservoir for storing liquids; especially an underground tank for storing rainwater.
Origin
From Middle English cisterne, from Old French cisterne (Modern French citerne) from Latin cisterna, from cista (“box”), from Ancient Greek κίστη (kístē, “box”). Doublet of cisterna.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)