Word of the Day : July 10, 2021

cataract \KAT-uh-rakt\ noun

Definition

1 : a clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light

2 a : waterfall; especially : a large one over a precipice

b : steep rapids in a river

c : downpour, flood

Did You Know?

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.

Aired July 10, 2021

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