Tank vs. Vat: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 28, 2023
A tank is a large container for storing liquid or gas, while a vat is a large vessel, often for holding liquids used in brewing or industrial processes.
Difference Between Tank and Vat
A tank is a versatile term that encompasses a wide range of containers, from small to massive, designed to hold either liquid or gas. These can be found in various settings, from households to industrial sites. For example, a water tank in a home setup provides storage for water, while an oil tank at an industrial site holds fuel. Vat, on the other hand, is more specialized. It primarily refers to a large vessel, often open at the top, and is specifically used for holding liquids that undergo some process, like fermentation.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
The word tank can also refer to armored military vehicles. When someone mentions a battle tank, they are referring to a heavily armored fighting vehicle. In contrast, vat has no such military connotation. Its use is primarily in the context of brewing, dyeing, or any industrial processes where large quantities of liquids are treated or processed.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
In everyday language, the term tank is more commonly recognized and used than vat. If someone speaks of a tank, the context will often determine its meaning, be it for storage or the armored vehicle. Vat, however, is a term that might be more familiar to those in industries like winemaking, brewing, or chemicals.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Lastly, while both tank and vat are storage vessels, their construction and design can differ. Tanks are often sealed and might be pressurized, especially when containing gas. Vats, being open vessels, are not typically pressurized and might have features catering to the specific process they are used for, like spouts or drains.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Tank vs. Vat Comparison Chart
Contextual Application
Broad (household to industrial)
Specific (brewing, dyeing)
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Alternate Meaning
Can refer to armored military vehicles
No such alternate military connotation
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Commonness in Language
More commonly recognized and used
More specialized; familiar in specific industries
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
Design and Construction
Often sealed, can be pressurized
Open vessels, not typically pressurized, may have features
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
Tank vs. Vat Definitions
◉Tank
A large container for storing liquid.
The water tank on the roof supplies the house.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Vat
A large vessel for holding liquid in industrial processes.
The vat at the factory was filled with chemicals.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Tank
A container for a liquid or gas in an engine or heating system.
The car's fuel tank is almost empty.
William
Sep 26, 2023
◉Vat
A large container used for fermenting or storing liquid.
Wine is fermented in wooden vats.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
◉Tank
A large, often metallic container for holding or storing liquids or gases.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
A container where liquid is treated or processed.
The milk in the vat will be turned into cheese.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
◉Vat
A tub in which dyeing of textiles is carried out.
The fabric was soaked in a dyeing vat.
Nolan
Sep 26, 2023
◉Tank
A usually artificial pool, pond, reservoir, or cistern, especially one used to hold water for drinking or for irrigation.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
A tank that holds the electrolyte in a battery.
The battery vat needs maintenance.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
◉Tank
A usually glass-walled container in which live fish, reptiles, or other animals are kept.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
A large vessel, such as a tub, cistern, or barrel, used to hold or store liquids.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
An enclosed, heavily armored combat vehicle that is armed with cannon and machine guns and moves on continuous tracks.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
A large tub, such as is used for making wine or for tanning.
a vat of liquid
a vat of acid
a vat of wine
a vat of olives
a vat of fat
a vat of glue
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
A square, hollow place on the back of a calcining furnace, where tin ore is laid to dry.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
(Informal) To suffer a sudden decline or failure
The stock market tanked yesterday.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
(dated) A liquid measure and dry measure; especially, a liquid measure in Belgium and Holland, corresponding to the hectolitre of the metric system, which contains 22.01 imperial gallons, or 26.4 standard gallons in the United States.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
(transitive) To blend (wines or spirits) in a vat; figuratively, to mix or blend elements as if with wines or spirits.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
A large vessel, cistern, or tub, especially one used for holding liquors in an immature state, chemical preparations for dyeing, or for tanning, or for tanning leather, or the like.
Let him produce his vats and tubs, in opposition to heaps of arms and standards.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
A measure for liquids, and also a dry measure; especially, a liquid measure in Belgium and Holland, corresponding to the hectoliter of the metric system, which contains 22.01 imperial gallons, or 26.4 standard gallons in the United States.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
The amount held by a container; a tankful.
I burned three tanks of gas on the drive to New York.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
An armoured fighting vehicle, armed with a gun, and moving on caterpillar tracks.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
A large metal container for holding drinking water for animals, usually placed near a wind-driven water pump, in an animal pen or field.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Vat
a tax levied on the difference between a commodity's price before taxes and its cost of production
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
(slang) A very muscular and physically imposing person. Somebody who is built like a tank.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
a unit or character designed primarily around damage absorption and holding the attention of the enemy (as opposed to dealing damage, healing, or other tasks).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
A metaphorical place where a player goes to contemplate a decision; see in the tank.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
To fail or fall (often used in describing the economy or the stock market); to degenerate or decline rapidly; to plummet.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
(video games) To attract the attacks of an enemy target in cooperative team-based combat, so that one's teammates can defeat the enemy in question more efficiently.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
To deliberately lose a sports match with the intent of gaining a perceived future competitive advantage.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
A small Indian dry measure, averaging 240 grains in weight; also, a Bombay weight of 72 grains, for pearls.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
A pond, pool, or small lake, natural or artificial.
We stood in the afterglow on the bank of the tank and saw the ducks come home.
The tanks are full and the grass is high.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
a heavily armored combat vehicle which moves on caterpillar treads, rather than wheels. It typically carries a cannon and a heavy machine, and sometimes other weapons. It is the main distinguishing weapon of an armored division.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
a jail cell for temporarily holding prisoners, as in a police station.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
an enclosed armored military vehicle; has a cannon and moves on caterpillar treads
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Tank
A receptacle with transparent sides for aquatic animals.
The fish tank was filled with colorful species.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Tank
A cell or underground reservoir for sewage.
The septic tank needs cleaning.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Tank vs. Vat Frequently Asked Questions
How is a vat typically used?
For holding liquids undergoing processes like fermentation or dyeing.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Which term is more common in everyday language?
Tank is more commonly recognized and used.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
Do vats have a military connotation?
No, they are primarily associated with brewing, dyeing, or industrial processes.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023
How are vats usually designed?
As open vessels, often with features like spouts or drains.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Can a tank be used to describe a container for aquatic animals?
Yes, like a fish tank.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Can the term tank refer to vehicles?
Yes, it can mean armored military vehicles.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In what context might someone encounter the term vat?
In industries like winemaking, brewing, or chemicals.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Are vats used in battery systems?
Yes, they can hold the electrolyte in a battery.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
