cistern Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid
    cisterna.
  2. noun a tank that holds the water used to flush a toilet
    water tank.
  3. noun an artificial reservoir for storing liquids; especially an underground tank for storing rainwater

WordNet

Cis"tern noun
Etymology
OE. cisterne, OF. cisterne, F. cisterne, fr. L. cisterna, fr. cista box, chest. See Cist, and cf. chest.
Definitions
  1. An artificial reservoir or tank for holding water, beer, or other liquids.
  2. A natural reservoir; a hollow place containing water. "The wide cisterns of the lakes." Blackmore.

Webster 1913