cataract
noun
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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.
Examples of cataract in a Sentence
Laura Schober, Health, 12 Feb. 2025
The available evidence shows that supplementation of these nutrients does not protect from developing AMD or cataracts but may slow the progression of AMD.
—Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 11 Feb. 2025
Exposure to high levels of radium can result in adverse health conditions like anemia, cataracts, fractured teeth, cancer (especially bone cancer) and death, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.
—Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 7 Jan. 2025
In addition, a higher percentage of early-onset cataracts as a result of space radiation exposure have been reported by astronauts.
—Keith Cooper, Space.com, 3 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Cataract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataract. Accessed 20 Feb. 2025.
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cataract
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cataract
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