A large, powerful waterfall; also a medical condition causing clouding of the eye lens.
From Greek 'kataraktes' (waterfall/portcullis) — 'kata' (down) + 'arassein' (to strike). The medical sense arose because a clouded eye looked like a waterfall was descending over the pupil.
The word for a waterfall AND a cloudy eye — because ancient doctors thought cataracts looked like water FALLING over the lens! The Nile's cataracts are legendary waterfalls. Same word, wildly different vibes! 💧ðŸ‘ï¸
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