HealthJuly 6, 2026

gout

/ɡaʊt/

Definition

A form of inflammatory arthritis caused by an excess of uric acid in the blood, often resulting in painful swelling and stiffness in the joints.

Etymology

The word comes from the Old French 'gout,' meaning 'a drop,' derived from the Latin 'gutta.' It reflects the ancient medical belief that the disease was caused by a 'drop' of morbid matter flowing into the joints.

In the news

The article mentions gout to warn readers that because sardines are high in purines, people with this condition should limit or avoid consuming them.

4 Health Benefits of Sardines

Read the full article ↗

Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials

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