noun
cataract
KA-tuh-rakt
Cataract (noun) means a large waterfall, especially one that plunges over a steep drop. Example: “The Niagara cataract draws millions of visitors every year.”
noun
1
A large waterfall, especially one that plunges over a steep drop.
"The Niagara cataract draws millions of visitors every year."
2
A clouding of the eye's lens that causes blurred vision, common in older age.
"She had surgery to remove a cataract from her left eye."
"Cataracts are one of the leading causes of vision loss worldwide."
How to use cataract
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a powerful waterfall, or the common eye condition that clouds the lens and blurs sight.
Common pairings
cataract surgery
cataract removal
a roaring cataract
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Word forms
- Plural
- cataracts
- Third person singular
- cataracts
- Past tense
- cataracted
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The Niagara _____ draws millions of visitors every year.
Etymology
From Latin cataracta, "floodgate, waterfall," from Ancient Greek katarraktes, "rushing down" — the eye condition sense developed from the idea of a clouded, "waterfall-like" veil over vision.
Frequently asked questions
What does “cataract” mean?
The word “cataract” means a large waterfall, especially one that plunges over a steep drop. In plain terms, either a powerful waterfall, or the common eye condition that clouds the lens and blurs sight.
How do you pronounce “cataract”?
“Cataract” is pronounced KA-tuh-rakt (/ˈkætəˌɹæk(t)/ in IPA).
How do you use “cataract” in a sentence?
Here is “cataract” used in a sentence: “The Niagara cataract draws millions of visitors every year.”
What part of speech is “cataract”?
“Cataract” is a noun.
Where does the word “cataract” come from?
The word “cataract” comes from Ancient Greek. From Latin cataracta, "floodgate, waterfall," from Ancient Greek katarraktes, "rushing down" — the eye condition sense developed from the idea of a clouded, "waterfall-like" veil over vision.
How many meanings does “cataract” have?
“Cataract” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large waterfall, especially one that plunges over a steep drop.
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