Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Cataract'

English Word: Cataract

Key Russian Translations:

• катаракта [kɐtɐˈraktə] - [Formal, Medical Term]

Frequency: Medium (used primarily in medical contexts)

Difficulty: B2 (Intermediate - due to specialized vocabulary)

Pronunciation (Russian):

катаракта: [kɐtɐˈraktə]

Note on катаракта: Stress falls on the third syllable. The "р" is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Medical Condition (Eye Disease)

Translation(s) & Context:

• катаракта - Refers specifically to the medical condition of clouding of the lens in the eye, leading to impaired vision. Used in formal and medical contexts.

Usage Examples:

• У моей бабушки диагностировали катаракту.

  My grandmother was diagnosed with a cataract.

• Катаракта может быть вылечена с помощью операции.

  A cataract can be treated with surgery.

• Врач объяснил, что катаракта развивается с возрастом.

  The doctor explained that cataracts develop with age.

• После удаления катаракты зрение значительно улучшилось.

  After cataract removal, vision improved significantly.

• Катаракта на ранних стадиях может быть незаметной.

  A cataract in its early stages may be unnoticeable.

2. Waterfall (Rare, Archaic Usage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• катаракта - In rare, literary, or archaic contexts, it can refer to a large waterfall. This usage is uncommon in modern Russian.

Usage Examples:

• В старых текстах Ниагарский водопад иногда называли катарактой.

  In old texts, Niagara Falls was sometimes called a cataract.

• Катаракта реки производила оглушительный шум.

  The cataract of the river produced a deafening noise.

• Путешественники описывали катаракту как чудо природы.

  Travelers described the cataract as a wonder of nature.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

катаракта is a feminine noun in Russian. It follows the standard declension pattern for feminine nouns ending in "-а".

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms (Medical Context):

• помутнение хрусталика (clouding of the lens - more descriptive, less common)

Antonyms:

• None directly applicable in the medical sense.

Note: Synonyms are rare for the medical term, as "катаракта" is the standard term. In the archaic "waterfall" sense, synonyms like "водопад" (waterfall) are more commonly used today.

Related Phrases:

• операция по удалению катаракты - Surgery for cataract removal.
• ранняя стадия катаракты - Early stage of cataract.
• катаракта на обоих глазах - Cataract in both eyes.

Usage Notes:

• The primary and most common meaning of "катаракта" in modern Russian is the medical condition affecting the eye. English speakers should avoid using it to mean "waterfall" in contemporary contexts, as this usage is outdated and may confuse listeners.
• The word is always used in formal or clinical settings when discussing eye conditions. There are no informal equivalents for this term.
• Be mindful of grammatical agreement in Russian, as "катаракта" is a feminine noun and requires appropriate adjective and verb forms.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect Gender Usage: English speakers often forget that "катаракта" is feminine and may use masculine forms of adjectives or past tense verbs. For example, saying "катаракта был" (masculine) instead of "катаракта была" (feminine) is incorrect.
• Using Archaic Meaning: Attempting to use "катаракта" to mean "waterfall" in modern speech will likely be misunderstood. The correct modern term for waterfall is "водопад".

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking countries, discussions about cataracts are often associated with aging and elderly care, as the condition is common among older individuals. Awareness of eye health and access to cataract surgery are topics of public health concern, especially in rural areas.

Related Concepts:

• глаукома (glaucoma)
• зрение (vision)
• хрусталик (lens of the eye)
• офтальмолог (ophthalmologist)