reservoir

UK: ˈrɛzəvwɑː | US: ˈrɛzərˌvwɑr

Definition
  1. n. a natural or artificial place where water is collected and stored for use

  2. n. a large supply or stock of something (e.g., knowledge, talent)

  3. n. (Biology) a part of an organism that stores a substance

Structure
re <back>serve <keep>oir <noun suffix (French)>
Etymology

The word "reservoir" originates from Old French reservoir (a place to store), derived from Latin reservare ("to keep back, retain"). The morpheme re- (back) combines with servare (to keep), reflecting the idea of holding something in reserve. The suffix -oir (French noun-forming suffix) was added to create a term for a storage place. Over time, it expanded from literal water storage to metaphorical uses (e.g., "reservoir of talent").

Examples
  1. The city draws its water supply from a nearby reservoir.

  2. She is a reservoir of creative ideas.

  3. The lake acts as a natural reservoir for rainwater.

  4. Scientists study the body’s fat reservoirs.

  5. The library is a reservoir of historical knowledge.