reservoir
REZ-er-vwar
/ˈrɛzəvwɑːr/
A large natural or artificial lake used as a source of water supply.
Can also refer to a supply or stock of something abstract (e.g., a reservoir of knowledge).
The story behind the word. From the French 'réservoir,' based on 'réserver' (to reserve). It literally means a place where things are kept back for later use.
Word relationships
- basin: A basin is a natural depression; a reservoir is specifically for storage.
Commonly confused with
- cistern: A cistern is a small, often underground tank; a reservoir is a large lake-scale storage.
Word family
- reserve (verb): To keep back or set aside.
Collocations
- water reservoir
- vast reservoir
- underground reservoir
Example sentences
- "The city's reservoir levels have dropped significantly due to the prolonged drought." Environmental Science
- "The gallbladder acts as a reservoir for bile." Anatomy
Memory hook
A reservoir is where you 'reserve' water. Water storage lake.
When not to use
Don't use for a small tank or a swimming pool.
Fun facts
- The largest artificial reservoir in the world by surface area is Lake Volta in Ghana.
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