Gravel

(grăv'l.) [From L. gravel la, sand.] Small stones or pebbles intermixed with sand. It is supposed to originate from aggregated fragments of rocks or flints, worn by the action of water and by their natural attrition, into rounded and other forms, varying in size from that of a pea to a pigeon's egg.-(Med.) A painful disorder, arising from a gritty matter concreting into small stones in the kidneys and bladder. A vegetable diet and alkaline drinks are the best prophylactics. [s. 420]