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cataract

One entry found.


Main Entry:
cat·a·ract Listen to the pronunciation of cataract
Pronunciation:
\ˈka-tə-ˌrakt\
Function:
noun
Etymology:
Latin cataracta waterfall, portcullis, from Greek kataraktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from kata- + arassein to strike, dash
Date:
14th century
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 light2 aobsolete : waterspout b: waterfall ; especially : a large one over a precipice c: steep rapids in a river d: downpour , flood <cataracts of rain> <cataracts of information>
— cat·a·rac·tous Listen to the pronunciation of cataractous \ˌka-tə-ˈrak-təs\ adjective
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