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?

The ocular meaning of cataract that English users are most familiar with is also the oldest. It dates to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word cataracta, meaning “portcullis,” probably because a cataract in one’s eye obstructs vision much like a 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,” describing the action of 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That second cataract had blocked signals to her brain, essentially shutting the eye off from development. Ashley Vega, People.com, 7 July 2025 But as the years passed, the cataracts progressed and her vision began to deteriorate. Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025 But in recent years, researchers have found another causative factor for cataracts and other eye disorders: climate change. Sanket Jain, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 May 2025 The curtains were shut across all of their windows - Jo was recovering from cataract surgery. Morgan Lieberman, NPR, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cataract

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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Cite this Entry

“Cataract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataract. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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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