What does gutta mean?
Gutta is a formal noun meaning a drop of liquid, particularly a single dose of liquid medicine. Its use in medicine comes from a long-established practice of prescribing medicines one drop at a time. Outside medical writing, the word can refer more generally to a tiny drop or bead of liquid, although ordinary speakers usually choose words such as drop, droplet, or drip. Gutta is also retained in the familiar compound gutta-percha, a tough, flexible material historically used for insulating electrical cables and making golf balls. Despite the compound's Latin-looking appearance, the name of gutta-percha comes from Malay, so the shared spelling does not reflect a shared history. The word is therefore most useful when encountered in clinical instructions or specialized writing, where its concise, slightly archaic character conveys precision rather than everyday informality.
nounA drop of liquid, especially a dose of liquid medicine. By extension, it can refer to a small drop or bead of any liquid.
- A drop of liquid medicine or another liquid.
- A small drop or bead of liquid.
"The prescription called for one gutta in each eye."
"The pharmacist dispensed three guttae for the patient's eye drops."
"A single gutta of ink marked the edge of the page."
In medical and pharmaceutical English, guttae is the traditional plural used for individual drops of medicine. The plural guttas is also possible in general use but is less characteristic of technical prescription language.
"The prescription directed the patient to take three guttae after meals."
Gutta looks like a straightforward Latin drop, but gutta-percha is a linguistic surprise: its name ultimately comes from Malay rather than Latin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of gutta
Gutta comes from Latin gutta, meaning “drop.” English borrowed the word for scientific and pharmaceutical use, where it continued to denote an individual drop of liquid. Its Latin ancestry also connects it etymologically with words such as gout and gutter, although their modern meanings are unrelated. The compound gutta-percha is separate in origin and derives its name from Malay words for tree gum and the tree itself.
How gutta is actually used
Gutta is formal and relatively uncommon in ordinary conversation. In medical and pharmaceutical contexts it is more familiar, with the plural guttae traditionally used when referring to individual drops.
Easily confused with gutta
A gutta is a drop of liquid, whereas a gutter is a channel or trough for carrying away water.