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BNC: 19411 COCA: 14871

cataract

noun

cat·​a·​ract ˈka-tə-ˌrakt How to pronounce cataract (audio)
1
[Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French catharacte, from Medieval Latin cataracta, from Latin, portcullis] : a clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light
2
a
obsolete : waterspout
b
: waterfall
especially : a large one over a precipice
c
: steep rapids in a river
the cataracts of the Nile
d
: downpour, flood
cataracts of rain
cataracts of information
cataractous adjective

Did you know?

Cataract dates to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word cataracta, meaning "portcullis." The Latin pertains to the ocular cataract, probably because it obstructs one's vision much like the portcullis's heavy iron grating obstructs passage into a fortress or castle. Cataracta has another meaning, however—"waterfall"—and that meaning gave English the water-related meanings that came in later centuries. The connection between the two Latin meanings can be seen in katarassein, the Greek source of cataracta. It means "to dash down," an action we see in both the slamming portcullis and the cascading waterfall.

Example Sentences

the roaring cataract is one of the park's most majestic sights in spring the melting snows usually produce a cataract that inundates the valley
Recent Examples on the Web The Scottish health service is already struggling with bed shortages and backlogs of patients waiting for procedures such as hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery. James Freeman, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 In his pale blue eyes, one reddened by recent cataract surgery, was all of Babel’s terrible world and all of humanity’s defiant hope. New York Times, 19 Aug. 2022 In any kind of cataract surgery, the eye is measured to get the correct strength of the lens, but post-operative changes in the eye can make the new lens focus light imprecisely. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 28 July 2022 Bewley had cataract surgery the day before the crash and was on the phone with a Journal Sentinel reporting intern when the crash occurred. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 26 July 2022 Los Angeles Times His-and-hers cataract surgeries, but his was 20 times as much. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2022 During cataract surgery, doctors only perform those tasks that require their level of experience and expertise. London Business School, Forbes, 27 June 2022 Two people who have spoken with the Pelosis since the crash said that Mr. Pelosi had had cataract surgery in the days preceding the dinner. New York Times, 22 June 2022 Tyler’s lyrics formed a cataract of consonants that worked themselves into frenzied screeches or passionate croons. Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2022 See More

Word History

Etymology

Latin cataracta waterfall, portcullis, from Greek kataraktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from kata- + arassein to strike, dash

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cataract was in the 14th century

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