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
Darlene Superville, Chicago Tribune, 13 Apr. 2025
The report also revealed that the president underwent a colonoscopy last July, when he was diagnosed with diverticulitis and a benign polyp, and had cataract surgery at some undetailed point in the past.
—Matthew Medsger, Boston Herald, 13 Apr. 2025
Some recent surgeries Trump underwent, per the health document, included cataract surgery on both eyes, though dates were not included.
—Meredith Kile, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
The report additionally detailed that Trump, at some point, underwent cataract surgery, but did not specify when.
—Annabella Rosciglione, The Washington Examiner, 13 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cataract
Cite this Entry
“Cataract.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cataract. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
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cataract
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cataract
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