DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
To·phus n.; pl. Tophi [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.
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tophus
n 1: 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]
[also: tophi (pl)]