gout

gout, metabolic disorder characterized by recurrent acute attacks of severe inflammation in one or more of the joints of the extremities. Gout results from the deposition, in and around the joints, of uric acid salts, which are excessive throughout the body in persons with the disorder. Uric acid is a product of the breakdown of purines, compounds that are essential components of DNA and RNA and of many biosynthetic reactions and that are normally steadily...