Meaning & Definition of word "Cataract"
Cataract
/ˈkætərækt/
noun:
- 1. A medical condition in which the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, resulting in blurred vision.
- Example: After years of struggling with blurred vision, she was diagnosed with cataracts in both eyes.
- 2. A large waterfall or a rushing stream of water.
- Example: The sound of the cataract could be heard from miles away as it cascaded down the mountainside.
Etymology
●From Middle English cataracte, from Latin cataracta, from Greek katarrhaktēs 'down-rushing'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
cataract surgery:
A surgical procedure to remove a cataract from the lens of the eye.
cataract of rain:
A sudden and intense downpour of rain.
to have cataracts:
To be afflicted by the condition of cataracts.
Related Words
lens:
A transparent structure in the eye that focuses light.
opacity:
The quality of being opaque, especially regarding the eye's lens.
ophthalmologist:
A medical doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of eye disorders.
Slang Meanings of cataract
Meaning: To see nothing clearly
● Example Sentence: After the party, my head felt like a cataract – everything was blurry.
Meaning: A sudden overwhelming force
● Example Sentence: The news hit me like a cataract, I couldn't process it at first.