cataract

noun

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

Other Words from cataract Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about cataract

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Did You Know?

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

The team provided malaria testing, and also treated a variety of medical conditions, including severe hypertension, urinary tract infections, gastrointestinal viruses and cataracts (even among younger patients). — Karen Pilarski, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Two Wauwatosa nurses traveled with medical professionals on a mission trip to Tanzania to provide medical care," 12 Aug. 2019 After several years, a desk editor complained the smoke was bothering his cataracts. — Greg Gilbert, The Seattle Times, "In 52 years at The Seattle Times, photographer Greg Gilbert has seen it all. But he wants to see more.," 31 July 2019 One way to think of katabatic winds is to picture them as gargantuan cataracts of air moving over the ice sheets. — Barry Lopez, Harper's magazine, "Polar Light," 10 Jan. 2019 For example, cataracts gradually develop as people get older. — Beth Wood, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Protect your eyes for life with healthy diet, sun shielding," 24 June 2019 Research shows that cataracts increase the risk of falls. — Amir Khan, sun-sentinel.com, "Surgery to treat cataract can wait if vision hasn’t been affected yet," 6 June 2019 Though many trees have regrown, scientists have found evidence of elevated levels of cataracts and albinism, and lower rates of beneficial bacteria, among some wildlife species in the area in recent years. — Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "The Chernobyl disaster: What happened, and the long-term impacts," 17 May 2019 If left untreated, babies may develop cataracts, deafness, seizures or death. — Alexandria Hein, Fox News, "Syphilis cases up 44 percent in California county," 18 Sep. 2018 These exams include a number of procedures to assess both your eyesight and ocular health, including pupil dilation to see the optic nerve and retina and a thorough look at the front of your eye to look for things like cataracts or cornea scratches. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "Exactly How Often You Really Need to See Different Kinds of Doctors," 17 Jan. 2019

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.