Cistern
/ˈsɪstɚn/noun
A container for holding water or other liquids, typically underground.
Did you know?The word 'cistern' shares its roots with words associated with storing and preserving, hinting at ancient rituals of water as life and purity.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*u̯i-
“to flow, to be liquid”
Latin
Latin
cista
“a box or chest, often for storage of liquids”
Old French
Old French
cisterne
“a reservoir or tank for water”
Middle English
Middle English
cistern
“a vessel for storing water”
Modern English
English
cistern
“a container specifically for holding water, often underground”