uric acid
C1Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A crystalline, nitrogenous compound that is the final product of purine metabolism, found in urine and blood.
A chemical compound (C5H4N4O3) formed from the breakdown of nucleic acids and purines, excessive levels of which are associated with medical conditions like gout and kidney stones.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is almost exclusively used in scientific, medical, and health-related contexts. It is a compound noun that functions as a singular, non-count noun (e.g., 'uric acid is high').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or spelling differences. Pronunciation of the initial vowel may vary slightly (see IPA).
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. The term is associated with the same medical conditions in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language but equally standard in scientific/medical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be linked to + [medical condition]lead to + [medical condition]be caused by + [high/ elevated] uric acidbe tested for uric acidto have + [high/ low] uric acidVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Potentially in contexts of pharmaceuticals, health supplements, or insurance underwriting related to health conditions.
Academic
Central term in biochemistry, physiology, and medical research papers on gout, kidney disease, or metabolic disorders.
Everyday
Mostly in personal health discussions, especially if someone has gout or related dietary concerns.
Technical
Core term in clinical pathology, rheumatology, nephrology, and laboratory medicine reports.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- uric acid concentration
- uric acid measurement
American English
- uric acid level
- uric acid test
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor said his uric acid was too high.
- Eating less red meat can help lower uric acid.
- A diet high in purines increases the production of uric acid in the body.
- Gout is caused by the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints.
- The pathologist's report indicated markedly elevated serum uric acid levels, consistent with a diagnosis of gouty arthritis.
- Allopurinol is a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that reduces the synthesis of uric acid, thereby preventing urate crystal deposition.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'URine + IC' = URIC, the acid found in urine that can cause gout.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualised as SHARP CRYSTALS (e.g., 'needle-like uric acid crystals') or as POLLUTION/WASTE in the bloodstream (e.g., 'buildup of uric acid').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid calquing as 'мочевая кислота' in every context—it's technically correct but English uses the fixed term 'uric acid'.
- Do not confuse with 'urea' (карбамид/мочевина), which is a different nitrogenous compound.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'urine acid'. Correct: 'uric acid'.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'urics acids' or 'uric acids'. It is a non-count noun.
- Incorrect article use: 'an uric acid'. The initial sound is a consonant /j/, so use 'a uric acid level'.
Practice
Quiz
Which condition is most directly associated with high levels of uric acid?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different chemical compounds. Uric acid (C5H4N4O3) comes from purine breakdown, while urea (CH4N2O) is the main nitrogenous waste from protein metabolism.
Yes, though it's less commonly discussed. Abnormally low uric acid can be caused by certain medications, liver disease, or rare genetic disorders affecting its production.
Organ meats (liver, kidneys), certain seafood (anchovies, sardines, mussels), red meat, and some alcoholic beverages (especially beer) are high in purines.
It is measured via a blood test, often called a serum uric acid test, or sometimes through a 24-hour urine collection test.