CATARACT

cataract

(noun) a large waterfall; violent rush of water over a precipice

cataract

(noun) an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

cataract (plural cataracts)

(obsolete) A waterspout

A large waterfall; steep rapids in a river.

A flood of water

An overwhelming downpour or rush

(pathology) a clouding of the lens in the eye leading to a decrease in vision.

Source: Wiktionary


Cat"a*ract, n. Etym: [L. cataracta, catarracles, a waterfall, Gr.

1. A great fall of water over a precipice; a large waterfall.

2. (Surg.)

Definition: An opacity of the crystalline lens, or of its capsule, which prevents the passage of the rays of light and impairs or destroys the sight.

3. (Mach.)

Definition: A kind of hydraulic brake for regulating the action of pumping engines and other machines; -- sometimes called dashpot.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

21 June 2025

SUFFOCATION

(noun) the condition of being deprived of oxygen (as by having breathing stopped); “asphyxiation is sometimes used as a form of torture”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

There are four varieties of commercially viable coffee: Arabica, Liberica, Excelsa, and Robusta. Growers predominantly plant the Arabica species. Although less popular, Robusta tastes slightly more bitter and contains more caffeine.

coffee icon