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cistern (n.)

"natural or artificial receptacle for holding water or some other fluid," mid-13c., from Old French cisterne "cistern; dungeon, underground prison" (12c., Modern French citerne), from Latin cisterna "underground reservoir for water," from cista "chest, box," from Greek kistē "box, chest" (see chest). Related: Cisternal.

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Definitions of cistern from WordNet

cistern (n.)
a sac or cavity containing fluid especially lymph or cerebrospinal fluid;
Synonyms: cisterna
cistern (n.)
a tank that holds the water used to flush a toilet;
Synonyms: water tank
cistern (n.)
an artificial reservoir for storing liquids; especially an underground tank for storing rainwater;
From wordnet.princeton.edu