catarata

waterfall

noun kah-tah-RAH-tah Rare

Origin: From Latin cataracta, from Greek katarraktēs (rushing down).

Also means

cataract (eye)

Usage Note

Catarata covers both a large natural waterfall (las cataratas del Iguazú) and the medical eye condition (cataract). Context distinguishes the two. The plural is cataratas; when referring to famous falls the plural is standard even for a single waterfall system.

Examples

"Las cataratas del Iguazú son impresionantes."

Natural Translation

Iguazú Falls are impressive.

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