cisterna, ae, f. [cista], a subterranean reservoir for water, a cistern, Varr. R. R. 1, 11, 2; Col. 1, 5, 2; Sen. Ep. 86, 3; Plin. 31, 3, 21, § 31; 36, 23, 52, § 173; Mart. 3, 56, 1; Tac. H. 5, 12 al. For preserving wine, Dig. 47, 2, 21, § 5.