cataract
UK: ˈkætərækt | US: ˈkætərækt
n. 1. A medical condition involving clouding of the eye's lens, leading to impaired vision.
n. 2. A large waterfall or a downpour of water, often with great force.
n. 3. (Archaic) A floodgate or barrier controlling water flow.
cataract = cata<down> + ract<break, rush>
- cata (from Greek kata-, meaning "down")
- ract (from Latin ractus, related to rumpere, "to break" or "rush violently")
Etymology Origin:
The word "cataract" traces back to Greek kataraktēs, meaning "down-rushing" or "waterfall," combining kata- ("down") and arassein ("to strike, dash"). The medical sense emerged metaphorically in Medieval Latin (cataracta), likening the eye's opaque lens to a "floodgate" obstructing vision, later evolving into its modern medical meaning. The dual meanings reflect the word's journey from describing violent water movement to visual obstruction.
The surgeon removed the cataract, restoring the patient's clear vision.
Niagara Falls is one of the most famous cataracts in the world.
Heavy rains turned the quiet stream into a roaring cataract.
Ancient texts describe cataracts as barriers controlling river flow.
Without treatment, a cataract can lead to blindness.