cistern
[′sis·tərn] (anatomy)
A closed, fluid-filled sac or vesicle, such as the subarachnoid spaces or the vesicles comprising the dictyosomes of a Golgi apparatus.
(civil engineering)
A tank for storing water or other liquid.
(geology)
A hollow that holds water.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
Cistern
A tank used to store rainfall that has been collected from a roof or some other catchment area, usually located underground. The water is generally used for watering lawns and gardens, washing cars, and similar uses, but it can also be used for flushing toilets and, with treatment, for all other uses. Cisterns help conserve water and prevent pollution of nearby streams from runoff.
Illustrated Dictionary of Architecture Copyright © 2012, 2002, 1998 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved
cistern
An artificial reservoir or tank for storing water at atmospheric pressure (such as rain-water collected from a roof) for use when required.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Architecture and Construction. Copyright © 2003 by McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.