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cataract

noun

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cat·a·ract | \ ˈka-tə-ˌrakt

Definition of cataract

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

2a 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

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Synonyms for cataract

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The meaning of "cataract" we're most familiar with is also the oldest. It dates to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word cataracta, meaning "portcullis," probably because the ocular cataract obstructs vision in a way reminiscent of the way the portcullis's heavy iron grating obstructs passage into a fortress or castle. Latin cataracta has another meaning, however-"waterfall"-and that meaning gave us 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 That ash can stay airborne for months, spreading a smoke screen that acts like a cataract on the night sky over thousands of miles. — New York Times, 13 Aug. 2021 The first required a tiny piece of metal to be removed, resulting in a cataract. — Kevin Sherrington, Dallas News, 5 Aug. 2021 In May 2021, May underwent cataract eye surgery — although this was thankfully far less dramatic. — Phil Boucher, PEOPLE.com, 13 July 2021 Military doctors and nurses see patients at local hospitals — a form of diplomatic outreach that includes cataract surgery, root canals and acupuncture for migraines. — Washington Post, 18 June 2021 At 57 feet high, Blackwater Falls is the state’s highest cataract, and the centerpiece of West Virginia’s most visited state park. — Susan Glaser, cleveland, 6 May 2021 Others who have already benefited from Ruit's cataract surgery likened him to a god. — Binaj Gurubacharya, Star Tribune, 30 Apr. 2021 That explosion also caused a cataract, excessive tissue damage and extensive damage to his left retina. — Kristin Wilson And Paul Leblanc, CNN, 29 Apr. 2021 Plus, research suggests that greater vitamin A and beta carotene intake intake may be inversely associated with risk for cataract. — Good Housekeeping, 30 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cataract.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.