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.

Examples of cataract in a Sentence

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 Topping it off, smoking can weaken bones, destroy the health of gums and cause teeth loss, increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration, promote inflammation, decrease immune function, and contribute to Type 2 diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 8 Feb. 2024 An eye exam also will identify glaucoma or cataracts, which can be treated. Matthew Solan, Chicago Tribune, 31 Jan. 2024 Veterinarians had previously ordered cataract surgery but it had not been scheduled. Linda Robertson, Miami Herald, 9 Feb. 2024 But if your dog develops a cataract in the right eye three years later, it’s considered a bilateral condition, and the insurer will deny the claim. Kat Tretina, wsj.com, 8 Jan. 2024 Eye damage: People also wear goggles during light therapy sessions to protect against eye damage, such as cataracts. Karen Pallarito, Health, 18 Dec. 2023 His Karya Alpha Omega Foundation provides free surgery for cataracts for thousands of Indonesians each year as well as for hernia and cleft lip repair. Rana Wehbe Watson, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 Ganguli studied patients who received a routine electrocardiogram before a low-risk cataract surgery. Dhruv Khullar, The New Yorker, 12 Jan. 2024 Readers wondered how this might be relevant, particularly with a growing cohort that has poorer eyesight (and more cataracts). Ben Blatt, New York Times, 14 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cataract.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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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Dictionary Entries Near cataract

Cite this Entry

“Cataract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataract. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cataract

noun
cat·​a·​ract ˈkat-ə-ˌrakt How to pronounce cataract (audio)
1
: a clouding of the lens of the eye or of the transparent cover around it that blocks the passage of light
2
a
: a large waterfall
b
: a sudden rush like a waterfall : flood

Medical Definition

cataract

noun
cat·​a·​ract ˈkat-ə-ˌrakt How to pronounce cataract (audio)
: a clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light

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