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.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic
SpanishNow
6 min read