Cesspool is a word that refers to a pit or a tank that is used for the disposal of sewage. The word is often spelled with a double "s", but it is actually pronounced with a single "s" sound. The correct phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈsɛspuːl/. The spelling of the word "cesspool" can be confusing due to its pronunciation. Nevertheless, it is important to remember that the word only has one "s" sound, despite its spelling with a double "s".
A cesspool is a noun that refers to a pit or a tank that is used for the disposal and temporary storage of waste or sewage materials. It is typically an underground receptacle, built with a solid or impermeable lining, often made of concrete or brick, which prevents the leakage or seepage of the contained waste into the surrounding soil or groundwater. Cesspools are most commonly found in rural areas or older urban environments where centralized sewage systems may not be available.
These underground containers are designed to hold and retain human or animal excrement, wastewater, and other organic or inorganic debris that would normally be flushed down the toilet or go through drainage systems. The term "cesspool" can also be used metaphorically to describe a physical or metaphorical place that is considered dirty, corrupt, or morally repugnant.
Cesspools are emptied periodically by trained professionals who remove the accumulated waste using specialized equipment, such as vacuum trucks. This proper maintenance is crucial to prevent overflow, odor, health hazards, and environmental pollution. With modern advancements in sewage management and the implementation of more efficient and sanitary waste disposal systems, cesspools have become less common in developed areas. However, in certain regions or specific circumstances, cesspools may still be used as a practical and effective means of temporary waste containment and disposal.
A receptacle for liquid filth; a collection of offensive stagnant water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "cesspool" comes from the Middle English term "cesspul", which is a combination of two Old French words: "casse", meaning "receptacle", and "puile", meaning "pit". The term was first recorded in English in the late 15th century. The root words "casse" and "puile" were derived from the Latin word "caldus", meaning "warm" or "hot", and the word "puteus", meaning "well" or "pit". The combination of these elements gives "cesspool" its literal meaning of a pit or receptacle for waste or filth.