cataract

[ kat-uh-rakt ]

noun

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

cataract

/ ˈkætəˌrækt /

noun

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

cataract

/ kăt′ə-răkt′ /

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

cataract

1. 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.

Other Words From

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

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”

Word History and Origins

Origin of cataract¹

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

Example Sentences

The review is likely to pave the way for an expansion of surgical hubs, which are used to carry out low-complexity, high-volume treatments such as hip replacements and cataract surgery.

From BBC

Payments to insurers for diabetic cataracts totaled $700 million in that period; most diagnoses were added by the insurers.

From Salon

“These have been mostly orthopaedic, cataract and a few tubal ligation surgeries for women who no longer wish to fall pregnant,” Dr Kariem said.

From BBC

It has also been linked to eye problems, including cataracts.

From BBC

And the researchers themselves have had an impact over their 20 years of involvement - arranging better access to healthcare for the Tsimanes, from cataract operations to treatment for broken bones and snake bites.

From BBC