Final answer:
Oceans and lakes are referred to as reservoirs in the context of the water cycle, which are components that hold water for a prolonged duration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the water cycle, oceans and lakes are referred to as reservoirs. A reservoir in the context of the water cycle is a component that holds an element or water for a long period of time. For instance, oceans are the largest reservoirs of water on Earth, containing about 97% of all water, though this water is too saline for most human uses. Lakes, while a smaller reservoir compared to oceans, also serve as a significant storage for freshwater. Glaciers, ice caps, and groundwater are other examples of reservoirs, with the majority of accessible freshwater contained in these forms. The solar energy and gravity drive the motion of water within the water cycle, enabling it to move through these various reservoirs, transforming between its solid, liquid, and gaseous states.