cataract

noun

cat·a·ract ˈka-tə-ˌrakt How to pronounce cataract (audio)

[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

obsolete : waterspout

: waterfall

especially : a large one over a precipice

: steep rapids in a river

the cataracts of the Nile

: downpour, flood

cataracts of rain

cataracts of information

cataractous

ˌka-tə-ˈrak-təs How to pronounce cataract (audio)

adjective

Did you know?

Cataract dates to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word cataracta, meaning "portcullis." The Latin pertains to the ocular cataract, probably because it obstructs one's vision much like the portcullis's heavy iron grating obstructs passage into a fortress or castle. Cataracta has another meaning, however—"waterfall"—and that meaning gave English 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.

Example Sentences

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 Scottish health service is already struggling with bed shortages and backlogs of patients waiting for procedures such as hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery.

James Freeman, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 In his pale blue eyes, one reddened by recent cataract surgery, was all of Babel’s terrible world and all of humanity’s defiant hope.

New York Times, 19 Aug. 2022 In any kind of cataract surgery, the eye is measured to get the correct strength of the lens, but post-operative changes in the eye can make the new lens focus light imprecisely.

Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 28 July 2022 Bewley had cataract surgery the day before the crash and was on the phone with a Journal Sentinel reporting intern when the crash occurred.

Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 26 July 2022 Los Angeles Times His-and-hers cataract surgeries, but his was 20 times as much.

Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2022 During cataract surgery, doctors only perform those tasks that require their level of experience and expertise.

London Business School, Forbes, 27 June 2022 Two people who have spoken with the Pelosis since the crash said that Mr. Pelosi had had cataract surgery in the days preceding the dinner.

New York Times, 22 June 2022 Tyler’s lyrics formed a cataract of consonants that worked themselves into frenzied screeches or passionate croons.

Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2022 See More

单词	cataracts
释义	cataract noun cat·a·ract ˈka-tə-ˌrakt 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 2 a 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 cataractous ˌka-tə-ˈrak-təs adjective Did you know? Cataract dates to the 14th century and comes from the Latin word cataracta, meaning "portcullis." The Latin pertains to the ocular cataract, probably because it obstructs one's vision much like the portcullis's heavy iron grating obstructs passage into a fortress or castle. Cataracta has another meaning, however—"waterfall"—and that meaning gave English 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. Synonyms cascade fall(s) waterfall See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences 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 Scottish health service is already struggling with bed shortages and backlogs of patients waiting for procedures such as hip and knee replacements and cataract surgery. James Freeman, WSJ, 31 Aug. 2022 In his pale blue eyes, one reddened by recent cataract surgery, was all of Babel’s terrible world and all of humanity’s defiant hope. New York Times, 19 Aug. 2022 In any kind of cataract surgery, the eye is measured to get the correct strength of the lens, but post-operative changes in the eye can make the new lens focus light imprecisely. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 28 July 2022 Bewley had cataract surgery the day before the crash and was on the phone with a Journal Sentinel reporting intern when the crash occurred. Molly Beck, Journal Sentinel, 26 July 2022 Los Angeles Times His-and-hers cataract surgeries, but his was 20 times as much. Laura J. Nelson, Los Angeles Times, 28 June 2022 During cataract surgery, doctors only perform those tasks that require their level of experience and expertise. London Business School, Forbes, 27 June 2022 Two people who have spoken with the Pelosis since the crash said that Mr. Pelosi had had cataract surgery in the days preceding the dinner. New York Times, 22 June 2022 Tyler’s lyrics formed a cataract of consonants that worked themselves into frenzied screeches or passionate croons. Washington Post, 8 Mar. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Latin cataracta waterfall, portcullis, from Greek kataraktēs, from katarassein to dash down, from kata- + arassein to strike, dash First Known Use 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Kids Definition cataract noun cat·a·ract ˈka-tə-ˌrakt 1 : a clouding of the lens of the eye or of the cover around the lens that blocks the passage of light 2 : a large waterfall 3 : a sudden rush or flow like a waterfall Medical Definition cataract noun cat·a·ract ˈkat-ə-ˌrakt : a clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light cataracts noun plural of cataract 1 as in waterfalls a fall of water usually from a great height the roaring cataract is one of the park's most majestic sights Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance waterfalls rapids cascades falls shutes chutes flumes white waters shoots 2 as in floods a great flow of water or of something that overwhelms in spring the melting snows usually produce a cataract that inundates the valley Synonyms & Similar Words floods torrents inundations rivers waterfalls streams tides baths flood tides avalanches Niagaras blizzards deluges overflows cataclysms cloudbursts alluvions cascades influxes spates washouts currents outflows flushes outpourings excesses fluxes surfeits surpluses inflows overabundances gushes discharges oversupplies engulfments gluts overmuch overages superfluities superabundances overkills Antonyms & Near Antonyms droughts drips drouths trickles dribbles
随便看	unharried unharrowed unharvested unhasp unhasped unhasping unhasps unhasting unhasty unhat unhatched unhats unhatted unhatting unhaunted unhazarded unhazardous unhead unheaded unheading unheads unhealable unhealed unhealth unhealthful

cataract

noun

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Synonyms

Example Sentences

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Kids Definition

noun

Medical Definition

noun

noun