cistern

cis·tern

noun \ˈsis-tərn\

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

Origin of CISTERN

Middle English, from Latin cisterna, from cista box, chest — more at chest

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Building Terms

batten, hearth, lath, transom, wainscot