How Do You Spell CISTERN?

Pronunciation: [sˈɪstən] (IPA)

The word "cistern" is spelled with a silent "e" at the end, making it pronounced as /sɪstərn/. The IPA phonetic transcription breaks down the pronunciation of each individual sound in the word. The "s" sound is pronounced as /s/, the "i" sound as /ɪ/, the "st" sound as /st/, the "e" sound as /ə/, the "r" sound as /r/, and the "n" sound as /n/. This spelling is important to ensure that the word is pronounced correctly and understood in communication.

CISTERN Meaning and Definition

  1. A cistern is a container or reservoir designed for the storage and distribution of water. It is typically an underground or aboveground tank-like structure that is capable of holding a significant volume of water. The primary function of a cistern is to collect and store rainwater, well water, or any other source of water for later use.

    Cisterns have been utilized by civilizations throughout history to ensure a reliable water supply, particularly in areas where seasonal precipitation is limited. They are commonly found in arid regions, rural areas, and historical sites. The construction material for cisterns can vary, including concrete, stone, metal, or even earthen walls lined with waterproof materials like clay or brick.

    The contents of a cistern can be accessed via a system of pipes or wells, allowing for distribution to different parts of a building or property. Cisterns are often equipped with filters, pumps, or other mechanisms to improve water quality and facilitate efficient usage.

    In addition to providing a backup water source, cisterns can serve various purposes, such as irrigation, firefighting, or industrial applications. They are also utilized to collect and store water for drinking, bathing, or washing purposes in locations where the availability of clean water is limited.

    Overall, a cistern is a vital infrastructure element that acts as a reservoir, allowing for the collection, storage, and controlled distribution of water for various domestic, agricultural, or industrial requirements.

  2. A reservoir, or an enclosed space containing fluid, cisterna.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. An oblong or square box for storing water for domestic use; a hollow place or pond for containing water; a reservoir.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CISTERN

Etymology of CISTERN

The word "cistern" comes from the Latin word "cisterna", which means "a reservoir or tank for storing water". The Latin word, in turn, is derived from the Greek word "kistḗr", which also means "a container for holding liquids". The Greek word "kistḗr" can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*kes-" or "*kis-", which means "to cut or divide". This root is related to words such as "scissors" and "incision". The connection between the root meaning "to cut or divide" and the concept of a cistern likely comes from the fact that cisterns were often made by cutting or dividing into the ground to create a reservoir for water storage.

Similar spelling words for CISTERN

Plural form of CISTERN is CISTERNS

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