The dual meaning of "cataract" has made it an important term in both natural and medical sciences. As a geographical feature, cataracts are often associated with scenic landscapes and hydroelectric power sources. In the medical context, cataracts are one of the leading causes of blindness globally, primarily affecting older adults. Advances in medicine have made cataract surgery one of the most common and successful procedures worldwide. The symbolic use of cataracts in art and literature often conveys themes of obscurity, overwhelming power, or transition.
cataract in Dogri डोगरी
cataract in English
- cataract⇄cataract, noun.
1a. a large, steep waterfall.
Ex. Venezuela has the world's tallest cataract in Angel Falls, where water drops more than 3,000 feet (Newsweek).
b. a violent rush or downpour of water; flood.
Ex. Cataracts of rain f
cataract in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
cataract in Nepali नेपाली
cataract in Sindhi سنڌي
Cataract
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
KAT-uh-rakt
Definitions
- 1. A large waterfall or cascade.
- 2. A medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to impaired vision.
Usage Examples
- The explorers stood in awe of the massive cataract plunging into the gorge below.
- She underwent surgery to remove the cataract and restore her vision.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin "cataracta," meaning waterfall, and from the Greek "kataraktēs," meaning to dash down.
Synonyms
- Waterfall
- Rapids
- Opacity (medical context)
- Blur (medical context)
Antonyms
- Clear vision (medical context)
- Still water
- Transparency
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Catarata | ka-ta-RA-ta |
| French | Cataracte | ka-ta-RAKT |
| German | Katarakt | ka-ta-RAKT |
| Chinese | 白内障 (Báinèizhàng) | bai-nay-jang |
| Hindi | मोतियाबिंद | mo-ti-ya-bind |
| Tamil | முத்துமை | mut-thu-mai |
| Telugu | ముత్యుబిందువు | mu-tyu-bin-duvu |
| Kannada | ಮುತ್ತುಮಣ್ಣೆ | mut-tu-man-ne |
| Bengali | মুক্তাবিন্দু | muk-ta-bin-du |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: KAT-uh-rakt
- American English: KAT-uh-rakt
Historical Usage
The term "cataract" was originally used to describe waterfalls and strong water currents before being adopted in the medical field to describe an eye condition due to its resemblance to a waterfall obscuring vision.
Cultural Nuances
In literature, cataracts often symbolize powerful and uncontrollable forces of nature. In medical discussions, the condition is a common metaphor for the gradual loss of clarity or vision.