cataract

[kat-uh-rakt]

noun

1. a descent of water over a steep surface; a waterfall, especially one of considerable size.

2. any furious rush or downpour of water; deluge.

3. Ophthalmology.

   1. an abnormality of the eye, characterized by opacity of the lens.

   2. the opaque area.

cataract

/ ˈkætəˌrækt /

noun

1. a large waterfall or rapids

2. a deluge; downpour

3. pathol

   1. partial or total opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye

   2. the opaque area

cataract

1. An opacity of the lens of the eye or the membrane that covers it, causing impairment of vision or blindness.

2. A waterfall in which a large volume of water flows over a steep precipice.

cataract

1. A loss in the transparency of the lens of the eye, which reduces a person's ability to see. The condition can be treated by surgically removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial one, or with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Other Word Forms

• cataractal adjective
• cataractous adjective
• cataracted adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of cataract¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English cataracte, from Latin catar(r)acta, from Greek katarráktēs “waterfall, floodgate, portcullis” (noun), “downrushing” (adjective), from katarássein “to dash down,” from kat- cata- + arássein “to dash, smite”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cataract¹

C15: from Latin catarracta, from Greek katarrhaktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from arassein to strike

Example Sentences

I have taken one vacation in 17 years, to get cataract surgery.

Read more on MarketWatch

Tran’s medical bills from an ongoing battle with diabetes and cataracts and the costs of the increased security measures were the last straw for the family and the market.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

UV exposure has also been linked to eye problems, including cataracts.

Read more on BBC

"UV is important for getting Vitamin D and keeping us healthy, but too much of it can cause skin cancer or eye cataracts," says Dr Michaela Hegglin from the University of Reading's Department of Meteorology.

Read more on BBC

Long delays for specialist services, including audiology, cataract surgery, neuro-developmental assessment, and respiratory care were also "a major concern".

Read more on BBC