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Tank Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tank

[tæŋk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

military vehicle

A tank is a large military vehicle that has a gun and moves on wheels that are covered in metal belts.

Synonyms

armored vehicle, combat vehicle, panzer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tank

General term for a large, heavy vehicle used in military operations, usually with tracks and a powerful gun.

  • The army deployed tanks to secure the border.
  • The tank moved slowly through the rough terrain.
armored vehicle

Any vehicle with armor plating, which may include anything from personnel carriers to reconnaissance vehicles, not just tanks.

  • The convoy included several armored vehicles for protection.
  • The president traveled in an armored vehicle to ensure safety.
combat vehicle

A broad term for any vehicle designed specifically for use in combat, including tanks, armored vehicles, and other military-specific vehicles.

  • Combat vehicles are essential for modern military operations.
  • They showcased the latest advancements in combat vehicles at the military expo.
panzer

A German term specifically for tanks, particularly those used in historical contexts or referring to German military forces.

  • The Panzer IV was one of the most widely used German tanks during World War II.
  • Historians often study the strategies involving Panzer divisions in the Second World War.

Examples of usage

  • The army used tanks to advance on the enemy positions.
  • The tank rolled through the battlefield, crushing everything in its path.
Context #2 | Noun

container for liquid

A tank is a large container for holding liquid, such as water or fuel.

Synonyms

cistern, container, reservoir.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tank

Already described above, commonly associated with storage of liquids or gases and used in vehicles or machinery.
container

A general term for any receptacle used for holding goods, materials, or liquids. Can vary greatly in size and use.

  • She stored the leftover food in a plastic container.
  • Shipping containers are used to transport goods across the ocean.
reservoir

Usually describes a natural or artificial lake used to store water for various purposes, including drinking, irrigation, and electricity generation.

  • The city's main reservoir is located in the mountains.
  • They went fishing at the nearby reservoir.
cistern

Typically refers to a large container for storing water, especially for use in a building's plumbing system. Common in older houses or in areas with water shortages.

  • The old house had a cistern to collect rainwater.
  • He checked the cistern to ensure there was enough water for the week.

Examples of usage

  • The tanker truck was filled with gasoline in its tank.
  • She filled the water tank to ensure a sufficient water supply.
Context #3 | Noun

fish enclosure

A tank is a glass or plastic container used for keeping fish or other aquatic animals.

Synonyms

aquarium, fish tank, fishbowl.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tank

Use in contexts involving large containers for storing liquids or gases, often in industrial or military settings. Also, it can refer to armored military vehicles.

  • The water tank on the roof needs to be cleaned.
  • The army deployed several tanks to the area.
aquarium

Commonly used when referring to a place where aquatic animals and plants are kept and displayed, often for public viewing. It can also refer to large enclosed environments in homes.

  • We visited the aquarium to see the exotic fish.
  • He has a beautiful saltwater aquarium in his living room.
fish tank

Used in domestic settings to describe the enclosure where people keep pet fish. Generally smaller than an aquarium.

  • The goldfish swam happily in the new fish tank.
  • She bought a larger fish tank for her growing collection of tropical fish.
fishbowl

Typically refers to small, round glass containers specifically meant for keeping one or a few small fish. Can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where there is no privacy.

  • He kept a single goldfish in a small fishbowl.
  • Living in a small town feels like living in a fishbowl; everyone knows everyone else's business.

Examples of usage

  • The colorful fish swam gracefully in the tank.
  • He set up a new tank for his pet turtles.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'tank' originated during World War I as a code name for armored vehicles designed to break through enemy lines.
  • Early tanks were inspired by agricultural tractors, and their design focused on mobility across rough terrain.
  • The first tanks were introduced in 1916 during the Battle of the Somme, marking a significant evolution in warfare.

Military Technology

  • Modern tanks are equipped with advanced technology, including night vision and computer systems for targeting.
  • Tanks play a crucial role in combined arms operations, working alongside infantry and air forces.
  • The dynamics of tank warfare have evolved, now incorporating drones and automated systems for enhanced battlefield awareness.

Popular Culture

  • Tanks are often featured in movies and video games, symbolizing power and strength in conflicts, such as in the game 'World of Tanks.'
  • In cartoons and comics, tanks are sometimes portrayed humorously, reflecting their heavy nature in a lighthearted way.
  • Tank designs have influenced toy manufacturers, leading to popular action figures and model kits that children enjoy.

Environmental Context

  • Tanks are also used for ecological and agricultural purposes, such as in water treatment facilities to store and manage resources.
  • In aquaponics and aquaculture, tanks serve as environments for raising fish and plants together, promoting sustainable practices.
  • The design of tanks in these contexts focuses on maintaining healthy ecosystems, showcasing the word's versatility.

Sports

  • In sports, particularly basketball, the term 'tank' can refer to a strategy where a team intentionally loses games to secure better players in draft picks.
  • The concept of 'tanking' has sparked debates among fans about competitive integrity versus long-term team success.
  • Sports commentators often use the term when analyzing teams' strategies for rebuilding, focusing on future potential.

Origin of 'tank'

The word 'tank' originated during World War I when the British army introduced the first armored vehicles called tanks. The name was used as a code word to hide the true nature of these vehicles from enemies. The word 'tank' was chosen to give the impression that they were water tanks for delivery to the front lines. Over time, the term 'tank' became synonymous with armored combat vehicles and expanded to include other meanings such as containers for liquid and fish enclosures.

See also: tankard.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,825, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.