cata-

1. a prefix meaning “down,” “against,” “back,” occurring originally in loanwords from Greek ( cataclysm; catalog; catalepsy ); on this model, used in the formation of other compound words ( catagenesis; cataphyll ).

cata-

prefix

1. down; downwards; lower in position

   catadromous

   cataphyll

2. indicating reversal, opposition, degeneration, etc

   cataplasia

   catatonia

Word History and Origins

Origin of cata-¹

< Greek kata-, combining form of katá down, through, against, according to, towards, during

Word History and Origins

Origin of cata-¹

from Greek kata-, from kata. In compound words borrowed from Greek, kata- means: down ( catabolism ), away, off ( catalectic ), against ( category ), according to ( catholic ), and thoroughly ( catalogue )

Example Sentences

From the start, City pressed Barcelona and put pressure on the defence and goalkeeper Cata Coll.

From BBC

She lays off to Cuthbert, who takes a touch out her feet, then curls an unstoppable 15-yarder around the left side of the diving Cata Coll and into the net.

From BBC

The corner is swirling, but Barca keeper Cata Coll is fouled.

From BBC

“October and November are the dry season, when the land languishes,” Cata said.

From Seattle Times

On this date, Oaxacans don’t honor death but rather their ancestors, said the local secretary of culture, Victor Cata.

From Seattle Times