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Glite Dictionary
nuclear cataract

nuclear cataract

5.7
A cloudy area in the middle of the eye's lens that makes vision blurry
  • noun
  • /ˈnuːklɪər ˈkætəˌrækt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : catarata nuclear
  • Samantha was diagnosed with a nuclear cataract, which made her lens cloudy and her vision hazy.

Examples

  • The doctor explained that a nuclear cataract can lead to blurred vision and difficulty seeing at night.

  • Paul F. Jacques, Taylor, and colleagues reported in 2001 that antioxidant nutrients play a role in the prevention of nuclear cataracts.

    Academic text (2003)

  • After noticing a change in her eyesight, Maria learned that she had developed a nuclear cataract in her right eye.

Synonyms

cataract
vsnuclear cataract
  • Specialized
20 5.2

A cloudy lens in the eye that makes vision blurry

is a specific form affecting only the central part of the lens

Surface Forms

nuclear cataract singular
nuclear cataracts plural

Morphology

nuclear + cataract

The compound is a straightforward modifier–noun formation: 'nuclear' (central/core) describes the location of the 'cataract' (clouding of the lens), so the meaning 'a cataract affecting the central region of the lens' is directly derivable from the parts. Although medical, this compositional pattern follows normal English compounding and is likely understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituents.

Etymology

The term nuclear cataract describes a cloudy area in the middle of the eye's lens. The word nuclear means 'in the middle' and cataract refers to a 'clouding' of the lens, so the phrase shows a central cloud that makes vision blurry.