cistern

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

Etymology

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.

In classic literature

Synonyms

cisterna

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