Cataract
Pronunciation : Cat"a*ract
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. cataracta, catarracles, a waterfall, Gr.
Definition : 1. A great fall of water over a precipice; a large waterfall.
2. (Surg.)
Defn: 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.)
Defn: A kind of hydraulic brake for regulating the action of pumping engines and other machines; -- sometimes called dashpot.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913