Tank: meaning, definitions and examples

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tank

 

[tรฆล‹k ]

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "tank" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tanque

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคŸเฅˆเค‚เค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Panzer

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ tank

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั‚ะฐะฝะบ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ czoล‚g

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฟใƒณใ‚ฏ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท char

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ tanque

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท tank

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํƒฑํฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฏุจุงุจุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tank

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ tank

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅฆๅ…‹

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ tank

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skriรฐdreki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั‚ะฐะฝะบ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒขแƒแƒœแƒ™แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tank

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ tanque

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.