What is "tophi"

Tophus \To"phus\, n.; pl. Tophi. [NL.: cf. F. tophus a mineral concretion in the joint. See Toph.] [Written also tofus.]

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.

n. (plural of tophus English)

1. n. a deposit of urates around a joint or in the external ear; diagnostic of advanced or chronic gout [syn: chalkstone]

2. an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums [syn: tartar, calculus]

3. [also: tophi (pl)]

See tophus