What does cistern mean?
Word: Cistern
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Cistern means a container for storing water, especially one above a toilet or in the roof of a building.
How do you spell cistern?
Syllables: cis - tern
Tricky part: It sounds as if it starts like sister, so pupils write sistern. The first letter is really a soft c.
Watch out for: sistern, cisstern
Memory tip: Think of the city's water supply: city starts with the same soft sound and the same letter.
Cistern in a sentence
Example 1: A new lid now keeps dust out of the cistern in the attic.
Example 2: Our old house in Jaipur has a stone cistern up under the roof.
Example 3: Dad lifted the lid of the cistern to find out what was making that dripping noise.
Fun Fact
The Latin word behind it means a box, and the English word chest comes from that same source.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word cistern as used in the sentence:
We have enough water for the whole day because the cistern on the terrace is full.
a) drain
b) tap
c) pump
d) tank
Show answer
d) tank. Only a tank stores water for later; the other three move it along or let it out.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct pair of letters to complete the word:
c_st_rn
a) y, u
b) i, e
c) y, e
d) i, u
Show answer
b) i, e. The opening vowel is the short i of pin, and the last beat ends like modern.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
cisterrn
a) e
b) r
c) s
d) t
Show answer
b) r. One r is enough before the final n.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one of these words is spelt correctly. Choose its meaning:
1. cistern 2. plumbling 3. resevoir 4. aquaduct
a) a large lake used as a water supply
b) a bridge that carries water across a valley
c) a household water store, often high up
d) fitting and mending water pipes
Show answer
c) a household water store, often high up. Plumbing has no l after the b, aqueduct has an e after the u, and reservoir has an r before the v.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What would you most likely notice if the one in your roof sprang a leak?
a) a draught under the door
b) a damp patch on the ceiling
c) a squeak in the floorboards
d) a smell of burnt toast
Show answer
b) a damp patch on the ceiling
2. Which problem would most likely send you to inspect one?
a) a lamp that keeps flickering
b) a toilet that will not flush
c) a door that will not close
d) a cracked window pane
Show answer
b) a toilet that will not flush
