1. A group of disorders of purine metabolism: Gout manifests itself by various combinations of (a) hyperuricemia; (b) recurrent acute inflammatory arthritis induced by crystals of monosodium urate monohydrate; (c) tophaceous deposits of these crystals in and around the joints of the extremities, which may lead to crippling destruction of joints; and (d) uric acid urolithiasis.
2. In rheumatology, a recurrent acute arthritis of peripheral joints: Gout can be caused by the accumulation of monosodium urate crytals. Often presents as pain and swelling confined to one joint. The big toe joint is commonly affected.

The arthritis occurs secondary to an inherited abnormality of purine metabolism resulting in the deposition of uric acid crystals (sodium urate) within the joint space and articular cartilage.
3 Etymology: from Latin gutta "a drop", because of the ancient belief that the disease was due to a “noxa” falling drop by drop into the joint.