'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