Illustrated Companion to the Latin Dictionary/Cisterna
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Rich, Anthony (1849). The illustrated companion to the Latin dictionary, and Greek lexicon. p. vi. OCLC 894670115. https://archive.org/details/illustratedcompa00rich.
CISTER'NA. An artificial tank or reservoir, sunk in the ground, and frequently covered in with a roof (Varro, R. R. i. 11.), for the purpose of collecting and preserving good water for the use of a household. (Columell. i. 5. Pallad. i. 17.) It differs from our "cisterns," which are above ground; and from a "well" (puteus), which is supplied by springs.
2. Cisterna frigidaria. Perhaps an ice house. Pet. Sat. 73. 2.