A cistern (from Middle English cisterne; from Latin cisterna, from cista ´box´; from Ancient Greek κίστη (kístē) ´basket´) is a waterproof receptacle for holding liquids, usually water. Cisterns ...
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are often built to catch and store rainwater. Cisterns are distinguished from wells by their waterproof linings. Modern cisterns range in capacity from a few litres to thousands of cubic metres, effectively forming covered reservoirs.[citation needed]
