'Cistern' definitions:
Definition of 'cistern'
From: WordNet
noun
A sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid [syn: cisterna, cistern]
noun
A tank that holds the water used to flush a toilet [syn: cistern, water tank]
noun
An artificial reservoir for storing liquids; especially an underground tank for storing rainwater
Definition of 'Cistern'
From: GCIDE
- Cistern \Cis"tern\, n. [OE. cisterne, OF. cisterne, F. cisterne, fr. L. cisterna, fr. cista box, chest. See Cist, and cf. chest.]
- 1. An artificial reservoir or tank for holding water, beer, or other liquids. [1913 Webster]
- 2. A natural reservoir; a hollow place containing water. "The wide cisterns of the lakes." --Blackmore. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Cistern'
From: Easton
- Cistern the rendering of a Hebrew word _bor_, which means a receptacle for water conveyed to it; distinguished from _beer_, which denotes a place where water rises on the spot (Jer. 2:13; Prov. 5:15; Isa. 36:16), a fountain. Cisterns are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The scarcity of springs in Palestine made it necessary to collect rain-water in reservoirs and cisterns (Num. 21:22). (See WELL.)
- Empty cisterns were sometimes used as prisons (Jer. 38:6; Lam. 3:53; Ps. 40:2; 69:15). The "pit" into which Joseph was cast (Gen. 37:24) was a _beer_ or dry well. There are numerous remains of ancient cisterns in all parts of Palestine.
Synonyms of 'cistern'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- artificial lake,
- bayou lake,
- dam,
- dead water,
- dike,
- etang,
- farm pond,
- fishpond,
- freshwater lake,
- glacial lake,
- inland sea,
- lagoon,
- laguna,
- lake,
- lakelet,
- landlocked water,
- linn,
- loch,
- lough,
- mere,
- millpond,
- millpool,
- nyanza,
- oxbow lake,
- plash,
- pond,
- pondlet,
- pool,
- puddle,
- reservoir,
- salina,
- salt pond,
- stagnant water,
- standing water,
- still water,
- sump,
- tank,
- tarn,
- tidal pond,
- volcanic lake,
- water hole,
- water pocket,
- well