Tank
/tæŋk/noun
A large container for holding liquid or gas, or an armored military vehicle.
Did you know?The armored vehicle called a tank got its name because Britain used “tank” as a cover term during World War I to conceal the development of a new weapon.
Etymological Timeline
17th Century
Portuguese
tanque
“A cistern, pool, or artificial reservoir for water.”
17th Century
English
tank
“A container or cistern for holding liquid.”
1915
English
tank
“A secret code name for an armored tracked vehicle, used to disguise its purpose.”
Modern English
English
tank
“A large container for liquid or gas; an armored combat vehicle.”