Above Ground Storage Tank
Posted on January 10, 2008 - Filed Under ground
The Phrase
What is an above ground storage tank, you ask? To find out, the words in this phrase must be defined and combined. This makes it much easier to understand such a long phrase in the English language.
Defining Above
Coming from the Old English word, abufan, the word above is an adverb. It refers to a location or area in which is higher than or on top of something else. For example in the sentence, The can of peaches is on the shelf above the stove, the word above defines where the shelf is in reference to the stove. It is above the stove or higher than the stove. Another example would be The library is located above the cafeteria on the second level of the courtyard. Here the word above refers to the library’s location, which is on top of or above the cafeteria.
Metaphorically, the word is often used to describe rank, position or ego in terms of humans. For example, in the sentence You act like you’re above me, the person making this statement is saying to another that they behave as though they are a better person. In other words, this is an accusation to say your behavior makes me feel like I’m not good enough.
The Word Ground
Ground is an Old English word derived from the original word, grund. Ground is a noun which refers to a specific location, section, area, or measurement of terrain or earth. The ground is, essentially, the land you walk on. Ground refers to any portion of land.
In poetry, or an evolved usage of ground, the word is used almost metaphorically. Since ground is the most common thing on Earth and is commonly known about, it can be used to describe a situation or feeling of great sincerity or seriousness. For example, You ground me means "You make me feel important, essential or normal." Ground is obviously well used in terms of how basic something can be in the English language.
Defining Storage
The word storage is actually a very complicated word in the American English Language. It can be broken down for better understanding into two parts: store and -age, which is a suffix.
Store is an ancient word derived originally from the Latin word instaurare, which is a verb that means to keep or collect items in a specific area. The word store, however, can also be used as a noun. As a noun, a store is a place where items for trade or sale are kept for the convenience of consumers.
The suffix -age comes from the Latin language. The original word is aticum which means "to act" in Latin. The suffix -age is often used behind many words in the American English Language. Forage, encourage, bandage, bondage, appendage and carriage are all great examples of the suffix -age hard at work.
When adding the two parts to form the word storage, the meaning of storage is literally a reference to the act of keeping and collecting items in a specific area. An example of proper use of the word storage would be Put the dried goods in storage so we may eat well in the winter. In this sentence, the dried goods, when collected in the appropriate place and way, will make for healthy eating during winter when things don’t grow well.
Modernly, storage units refer to large buildings that are dedicated to providing ample space for consumers to place items during an emergency or when they accumulate too many belongings.
Defining Tank
It is unclear whether the word tank originated from Latin or Portuguese but the word can be used as a noun or a verb. In its noun form, the word refers to a container that holds liquid. A tank can also be a military machine with large, rotating belts that can crush just about anything man made in front of it. They are used in war and military occupation.
As a verb, to get tanked is to become intoxicated by alcohol. It is believed that the use of the word tanked in reference to intoxication came the military, comparing being drunk to the destructive power of a tank machine.
All Together
When the entire phrase is brought back together, it literally means a place to collect liquid in a cylinder that is located above the area referred to as land. Above ground storage tanks are usually large, white, oblong cylinders that hold flammable or toxic materials that are purposefully used. Most commonly, they hold propane, a highly flammable liquid that is used to heat.
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Above ground storage tanks do not hold propane. Above ground pressure vessels do.