serbatoio

Serbatoio is an Italian noun that denotes a container or vessel used to store liquids or gases. It can refer to a simple household tank, a large industrial reservoir, or a built-in receptacle in machinery and vehicles. The term emphasizes storage and controlled containment rather than processing.

Origins: from the verb serbare, meaning to preserve or store. The word is used for a range of containers, including portable and fixed installations. Materials vary by use and include steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and various plastics. Typical features may include openings for filling and discharge, vents or atmospheric relief, level indicators, and, in pressurized systems, safety valves and insulation.

Common types: fuel tanks in cars and aircraft (serbatoio di carburante), water tanks (serbatoio d'acqua) for domestic supply or irrigation, hydraulic and chemical reservoirs, and underground or above-ground storage tanks. In plumbing and heating, the term refers to storage vessels for hot water or other fluids. In industrial settings, tank design follows standards for containment, corrosion resistance, and environmental protection.

Notes: The Italian term for armored fighting vehicle is carro armato; serbatoio does not typically denote a tank in a military sense, though it may appear in historical or figurative language.