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Definition of cistern

cistern

/ˈsɪs.tɚn/
cis · tern
Plural:cisterns
•
Adjective:cisternal
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cistern Lexical Profile

cistern Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A tank for storing water, especially one supplying taps or forming part of a flush toilet.

Example

"The historic farmhouse relied on a large underground cistern to collect rainwater for use during the dry summer months."

2

A fluid-containing sac or cavity in an organism, such as the spaces containing cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.

Example

"The neurologist reviewed the MRI scan to ensure the basal cisterns were not dangerously compressed by the surrounding tissues."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for cistern

• Nearby Words

circular saw
circumflex
cisco
cistern
cisticola
cistus
citadel

Word Origin & Etymology

From Middle English cisterne, from Old French cisterne, derived from Latin cisterna ('underground reservoir for water'), which is formed from cista ('box' or 'chest').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Cistern. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 17, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/cistern
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