tophus

Plural: tophi

Noun

• A deposit of urate crystals in tissues around a joint.
• a deposit of urates around a joint or in the external ear; diagnostic of advanced or chronic gout
• an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums
• A deposit of monosodium urate crystals in the body, caused by high levels of uric acid in the blood.

Examples

• The ’TOPHUS’ of high-value letters on his rack was finally ready for deployment.

Synonyms

calculus, chalkstone, tartar