What are kidney stones also referred to as?

Kidney stones are commonly referred to as renal calculi. The term "renal" pertains to the kidneys, while "calculi" is a Latin word that means stones. These are crystalline mineral deposits formed within the kidneys, often resulting from factors such as dehydration, dietary choices, or certain medical conditions.

The other terms listed, while related to kidney stones or conditions affecting the urinary system, do not accurately describe kidney stones themselves. Renal colic refers to the severe pain typically associated with the passage of stones. Urinary obstruction describes a blockage in the urinary tract, which can be caused by stones but does not serve as a synonym for them. Urethritis is an inflammation of the urethra and does not have a direct connection to the formation of kidney stones. Thus, renal calculi is the most precise and appropriate term for kidney stones.