tophus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a deposit of urates around a joint or in the external ear; diagnostic of advanced or chronic gout
    chalkstone.
  2. noun an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums
    calculus; tartar.

WordNet

To"phus noun
Etymology
NL.: cf. F. tophus a mineral concretion in the joint. See Toph.
Wordforms
plural Tophi
Definitions
  1. (Med.) One of the mineral concretions about the joints, and in other situations, occurring chiefly in gouty persons. They consist usually of urate of sodium; when occurring in the internal organs they are also composed of phosphate of calcium.
  2. (Min.) Calcareous tufa.

Webster 1913