reservoir

n. [ F. réservoir, fr. LL. reservatorium. See Reservatory. ] 1. A place where anything is kept in store; especially, a place where water is collected and kept for use when wanted, as to supply a fountain, a canal, or a city by means of aqueducts, or to drive a mill wheel, or the like. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) A small intercellular space, often containing resin, essential oil, or some other secreted matter. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Med.) A large quantity of infectious microorganisms resident in animals other than man, potentially capable of being transmitted to humans. [ PJC ]

3. (Med.) a large quantity of infectious microorganisms or parasites resident in animals other than man, potentially capable of being transmitted to humans; especially, such organisms in animals where they do little or no harm to the host. [ PJC ]

4. A large supply or stock of anything which may be rapidly put to use; a reserve. [ PJC ]

Receiving reservoir (Water Works), a principal reservoir into which an aqueduct or rising main delivers water, and from which a distributing reservoir draws its supply. [ 1913 Webster ]