[sis-tern] 
| 1. | a reservoir, tank, or container for storing or holding water or other liquid. |
| 2. | Anatomy. a reservoir or receptacle of some natural fluid of the body. |
| cis·tern (sĭs'tərn) n.
[Middle English cisterne, from Latin cisterna, from cista, box, from Greek kistē, basket.] cis·tern'al (sĭ-stûr'nəl) adj. |
cistern cis·tern (sĭs'tərn)
n.
A cisterna.
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.
tərn
