Category:Cataract

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.)

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.