cataract: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low frequency, C1/C2 level. The medical sense is more common than the waterfall sense in general usage.Formal or technical. The waterfall sense is literary/geographical. The medical sense is standard in healthcare contexts.
Quick answer
What does “cataract” mean?
1. A large waterfall or a cascade of water, often of great volume and force.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
1. A large waterfall or a cascade of water, often of great volume and force. 2. A medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes progressively opaque, leading to blurred vision.
The term can be used metaphorically to describe any overwhelming rush or downpour, such as 'a cataract of rain' or 'a cataract of criticism'. In geology, it can refer to a steep descent in a riverbed.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Pronunciation differs slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
The medical sense is universally clinical. The waterfall sense may carry more poetic/literary connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
The medical sense is vastly more frequent in everyday conversation for both BrE and AmE speakers.
Grammar
How to Use “cataract” in a Sentence
[Patient] developed a cataract.[Surgeon] removed the cataract from [Patient's] eye.The [River] plunges over a cataract.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cataract” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The patient's cataract was now mature enough for surgery.
- They hiked to the base of the thundering cataract.
American English
- Her cataract developed slowly over several years.
- The river's final descent was a massive cataract.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in insurance/healthcare benefits contexts.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and geographical literature.
Everyday
Primarily in discussions about health, ageing, and eye care.
Technical
Core term in ophthalmology and hydrology/geomorphology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cataract”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cataract”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cataract”
- Confusing 'cataract' with 'glaucoma' (another eye disease).
- Using 'cataract' for any large waterfall instead of specifically powerful, steep ones.
- Misspelling as 'cateract'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. Both derive from the Latin 'cataracta' meaning 'portcullis' (a heavy gate). This evolved to mean 'waterfall' (like a gate of water) and later the eye condition (something that descends like a gate, obstructing vision).
Mostly, yes (age-related cataracts are most common). However, congenital cataracts (present at birth) and secondary cataracts (from injury, disease, or medication) can occur at any age.
It is less typical. 'Cataract' implies size, power, and often steepness. For a small waterfall, 'cascade', 'fall', or simply 'waterfall' is more appropriate.
In modern practice, it is considered one of the safest and most routine surgical procedures with a very high success rate. As with any surgery, risks exist but are minimal.
1. A large waterfall or a cascade of water, often of great volume and force.
Cataract is usually formal or technical. the waterfall sense is literary/geographical. the medical sense is standard in healthcare contexts. in register.
Cataract: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkæt.ə.rækt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæt̬.ə.rækt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly using 'cataract' as a key component. The word itself is used literally or in metaphor.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a CAT being RACED towards a huge waterfall (cataract). The cat's vision gets blurry from the spray, linking the two meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
VISION IS CLARITY / A CATARACT IS AN OBSTRUCTION. Also, INTENSE FORCE IS A CATASTROPHIC FLOW (cataract of anger).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'cataract' in modern English?