[cat.a.ract] n [L cataracta waterfall, portcullis, fr. Gk kataraktes, fr. katarassein to dash down, fr. kata- + arassein to strike, dash] (14c) 1 [ME, fr. MF or ML; MF cataracte, fr. ML cataracta, fr. L, portcullis]: a clouding of the lens of the eye or of its surrounding transparent membrane that obstructs the passage of light
2. a obs: waterspout b: waterfall; esp: a large one over a precipice c: steep rapids in a river d: downpour, flood "~s of rain" "~s of information" -- cat.a.rac.tous adj