First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
cistern
noun cis·tern \ˈsis-tərn\
: an underground container that is used for collecting and storing rainwater
: a tank that holds the water for a toilet
: a tank on the roof of a building that holds water for the building
Full Definition of CISTERN
1
: an artificial reservoir (as an underground tank) for storing liquids and especially water (as rainwater)
2
: a large usually silver vessel formerly used (as in cooling wine) at the dining table
3
: a fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism
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Origin of CISTERN
Middle English, from Latin cisterna, from cista box, chest — more at chest
CISTERN Defined for Kids
cistern
noun cis·tern \ˈsi-stərn\
Definition of CISTERN for Kids
: an artificial reservoir or tank for storing water usually underground
Medical Dictionary
cistern
noun cis·tern \ˈsis-tərn\
Medical Definition of CISTERN
: a fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism
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