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Cataract Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cataract

[หˆkat.ษ™.rรฆkt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye which leads to a decrease in vision. It is the most common cause of blindness in the world.

Synonyms

blurred vision, clouding, opacity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cataract

Used to describe a specific medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to a decrease in vision. Often used in medical or healthcare settings.

  • The elderly patient was diagnosed with a cataract in her left eye.
  • Cataract surgery is commonly performed to restore clear vision.
clouding

Typically used to describe the process of something becoming less clear or more opaque. Often used in a broader sense beyond just vision.

  • The clouding of the lens was the primary reason for her vision problems.
  • There has been a clouding of transparency in the recent communication.
opacity

Used to describe the quality of being opaque or not transparent. This term can be used in medical contexts but also in a variety of fields like graphic design, physics, and material sciences.

  • The doctor noted increased opacity in the patientโ€™s eye lens.
  • Adjust the opacity of this layer to make the background less visible.
blurred vision

Refers to any situation where vision becomes unclear or out of focus. It can describe temporary or varying degrees of vision problems, not necessarily caused by cataracts.

  • After staring at the computer screen for hours, I started to experience blurred vision.
  • He complained of blurred vision following the head injury.

Examples of usage

  • The patient underwent surgery to remove the cataract from his eye.
  • Her grandmother's cataract surgery was successful.
Context #2 | Noun

geology

A cataract is a large waterfall.

Synonyms

cascade, rapids, waterfall.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cataract

Used to describe a large, powerful waterfall. Often used in literature or descriptions of natural scenery.

  • The adventurers were awe-struck by the sheer power of the cataract.
  • Mists rose from the base of the cataract, creating an ethereal atmosphere.
waterfall

The general term for any flow of water falling from a height. Can be used in a wide range of contexts, from small, gentle waterfalls to large, powerful ones.

  • The magnificent waterfall could be seen from miles away.
  • Tourists flocked to the national park to see the renowned waterfall.
cascade

Refers to a smaller waterfall or a series of small waterfalls over rocks. Often used to describe more gentle or graceful falls.

  • The clear water cascaded down the rocks, creating a soothing sound.
  • We walked along the path until we found a beautiful cascade hidden in the forest.
rapids

Describes fast-flowing sections of a river, where the water courses quickly over obstacles. Used in contexts involving adventurous activities and river sports.

  • The kayakers skillfully navigated the treacherous rapids.
  • They could hear the roaring sound of the rapids long before they saw them.

Examples of usage

  • The tourists were amazed by the beauty of the cataract.
  • The cataract was a popular spot for photographers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Medical Science

  • Cataracts are a major cause of vision loss, particularly in older adults, but they can also occur due to genetics or injury.
  • Surgery to remove cataracts is one of the most common operations performed worldwide, helping millions regain clear vision each year.
  • Diabetes can increase the risk of developing cataracts, showing the link between overall health and eye issues.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, eye health, including conditions like cataracts, is often linked to wisdom and vision in a metaphorical sense.
  • Some cultures believe that eye-related ailments can symbolize a lack of clarity in one's life or decisions.

Historical Perspectives

  • The first recorded cataract surgeries occurred in India around 800 BC, using a technique called 'couching' to displace the cloudy lens.
  • Throughout history, different cultures have developed their own remedies and surgeries to treat vision problems, showcasing the long-standing quest for clear sight.

Optics and Vision

  • In vision science, cataracts are studied as an important model for understanding how light interacts with the human eye.
  • The way cataracts scatter light can help researchers develop better optical instruments and improve techniques in eye surgery.

Origin of 'cataract'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'cataract' comes from the Latin word 'cataracta', which means 'waterfall'โ€”reflecting how things can look blurred like flowing water.
  • In ancient Greece, it was referred to as 'katarrhactes', indicating a strong flow, associating it with vision impairment.

The word cataract originates from the Latin word 'cataracta', which means 'waterfall'. This term was used in ancient times to describe the cloudiness in the eye resembling a waterfall. Over the years, the term evolved to specifically refer to the medical condition of clouding in the eye lens.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,322, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.