gout

American  

[gout] / gaʊt /

noun

1. an acute, recurrent disease characterized by painful inflammation of the joints, chiefly those in the feet and hands, and especially in the great toe, and by an excess of uric acid in the blood.

2. a mass or splash, as of blood; spurt.

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goût ¹ British  

/ ɡu /

noun

1. taste or good taste

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gout ² British  

/ ɡaʊt /

noun

1. a metabolic disease characterized by painful inflammation of certain joints, esp of the big toe and foot, caused by deposits of sodium urate in them

2. archaic a drop or splash, esp of blood

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gout Scientific  

/ gout /

1. An inherited disorder of uric acid metabolism occurring predominantly in men, characterized by painful inflammation of the joints. Elevated levels of uric acid in the blood result in deposition of crystals of uric acid salts (known as urates) around the joints, causing arthritis. The condition can become chronic and result in deformity.

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gout Cultural  

1. A disorder of metabolism characterized by attacks of painful inflammation in the joints, particularly those of the feet and hands. The inflammation is caused by the deposition of crystals of uric acid in the joints. Gout occurs most often in middle-aged men. The tendency toward developing gout is inherited. Stress, fatigue, or excessive exercise are among the factors that can bring on an attack.

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Other Word Forms

• goutily adverb
• goutiness noun
• gouty adjective

Etymology

Origin of gout

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English goute, from Old French, from Latin gutta “a drop (of fluid)”; gout in the feet formerly was attributed to drops of a corrupted humor

Example Sentences

The damp climate and the rigors of life on the march were tough for a man in his 60s who had long suffered from crippling gout and could often barely walk.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 19, 2026

The Welshman struggled with gout in his ankle all night in Nottingham, but while his walking was hampered his throw certainly was not.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

Crystalys, which is developing a treatment for gout, found replacements and disclosed a $205 million Series A round in September.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 15, 2026

A much larger share, 79%, discussed ways to manage gout, with dietary guidance taking center stage.

From Science Daily • Jan. 9, 2026

“The gold I grant you,” the dwarf said, relieved that he was not about to drown in a gout of half-digested eels and sweetmeats, “but the Rock is mine.”

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin

Related Words

• appetite
• palate