Here are some possibilities:
* Misspelling: Perhaps you meant "cistern," which refers to a tank used for storing water.
* Technical term: "Cistem" might be a technical term in a specific field like medicine or engineering. To understand its meaning, you'd need more context.
* Made-up word: It's possible the word is made up or used in a fictional setting.
To help me figure out what you're looking for, please provide more information:
* What was the context where you saw "cistem"? (A book, a website, a conversation, etc.)
* What was the topic being discussed?
With more information, I can help you understand the meaning of "cistem."