TOILET TANK Meaning and
Definition
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A toilet tank, commonly known as the cistern, is a reservoir or container located at the back of a toilet bowl or seat. It is typically made of ceramic, porcelain, or plastic and is designed to store and supply water for flushing the toilet. The tank is connected to the water supply line and is responsible for filling the bowl with water to facilitate the flushing process.
The primary function of the toilet tank is to store a predetermined amount of water until triggered by the user. When the toilet handle is pressed or the flush button is activated, a mechanism known as the flush valve is opened, allowing water from the tank to enter the bowl. The force of the water from the tank creates a siphon or gravity flow that removes waste and cleans the bowl. Once the flushing cycle is complete, the fill valve in the tank opens to refill the tank with water in preparation for the next flush.
Toilet tanks also often incorporate additional components such as the trip lever, float ball or cup, flapper valve, and overflow tube. These elements are essential for controlling the water level, regulating the flushing mechanism, and preventing overflow in the tank.
In summary, a toilet tank is a container attached to the toilet bowl that stores and supplies water necessary for flushing. It plays a crucial role in the proper functioning and hygiene of a toilet system, ensuring efficient waste removal and reliable water flow.
Etymology of TOILET TANK
The word "toilet" can be traced back to the French word "toilette", which originally referred to a dressing room or a place for grooming oneself. It evolved to include the act of personal grooming. This French term was adopted in English in the mid-17th century to refer to a dressing table, and eventually also encompassed the function of a water closet.
The term "tank" comes from the Middle English word "tanc", which referred to a large container or cask. It may have origins in old Norse or Old English. Over time, "tank" came to denote any kind of enclosed container or reservoir for holding liquid.
Therefore, the term "toilet tank" combines the idea of a container or reservoir ("tank") with the toilet fixture that holds water for flushing, formally known as the water closet.
