Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈsɪstərn/

Definitions

• A tank or container used for storing water, especially one connected to a plumbing system or for collecting rainwater.
• A reservoir or underground storage facility used in ancient or modern water supply systems.

Usage Examples

• The old stone cistern in the courtyard still holds rainwater.
• The bathroom cistern needed to be repaired due to a leakage.

Etymology

Derived from Old French cisterne, from Latin cisterna, meaning "water tank" or "reservoir," which is from cista (box, chest).

Synonyms

• Reservoir
• Water tank
• Storage tank
• Well

Antonyms

• Drain
• Pipeline

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, "cistern" is pronounced as /ˈsɪstən/, while in American English, it is typically pronounced as /ˈsɪstərn/ with a stronger 'r' sound.

Historical Usage

Cisterns have been used since ancient times in civilizations such as Rome and Mesopotamia for water storage and distribution. Many historical cities had underground cisterns to supply fresh water to their populations.

Cultural Nuances

In many arid regions, cisterns play a vital role in water conservation. Traditional homes in the Middle East and Mediterranean often had rainwater cisterns built into their courtyards.

More Information

A cistern is a fundamental water storage structure used globally for rainwater harvesting, irrigation, and domestic water supply. They range from small household tanks to large underground reservoirs. Modern plumbing systems incorporate cisterns in toilet tanks, while historical cisterns, such as the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, remain significant engineering marvels.