View synonyms for cataract

cataract

[ kat-uh-rakt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a descent of water over a steep surface; a waterfall, especially one of considerable size.
any furious rush or downpour of water; deluge.
Ophthalmology.
1. an abnormality of the eye, characterized by opacity of the lens.
2. the opaque area.

cataract

/ ˈkætəˌrækt /

noun

a large waterfall or rapids
a deluge; downpour
pathol
1. partial or total opacity of the crystalline lens of the eye
2. the opaque area

cataract

/ kăt′ə-răkt′ /

An opacity of the lens of the eye or the membrane that covers it, causing impairment of vision or blindness.
A waterfall in which a large volume of water flows over a steep precipice.

cataract

A loss in the transparency of the lens of the eye , which reduces a person's ability to see. The condition can be treated by surgically removing the lens and replacing it with an artificial one, or with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

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Other Words From

cata·ractal cata·ractous adjective
cata·racted adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cataract¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English cataracte, from Latin catar(r)acta, from Greek katarráktēs “waterfall, floodgate, portcullis” (noun), “downrushing” (adjective), from katarássein “to dash down,” from kat- cata- + arássein “to dash, smite”

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Word History and Origins

Origin of cataract¹

C15: from Latin catarracta, from Greek katarrhaktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from arassein to strike

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Example Sentences

The Old Cataract Hotel, built in 1899, is owned by the Egyptian government but managed by Sofitel, a French luxury hotel group.

From The Daily Beast

Redundancy in general remains an issue for Wolcott: “white-boned,” “pale-moon,” “bulk-sized,” “streaming cataract,” “forlorn rue.”

From The Daily Beast

A vast mountain of green water lifted up its bulk and fell upon us in a ravening cataract.

From Project Gutenberg

It was not a sea that came away; it was a mere enormous cataract that poured on irresistibly.

From Project Gutenberg

Even as he spoke the dull growl of a cataract was heard, and, a few minutes later, the party came upon the ford of the river.

From Project Gutenberg

The Baron de Wentzel was the most famous oculist of the day, and the discoverer of operations for cataract.

From Project Gutenberg

See, Wharton, there is a man crossing in the very eddies of the cataract, and in a skiff no bigger than an egg-shell.

From Project Gutenberg

catapult catarrh

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