The Spanish word 'gota' comes directly from the Latin word 'gutta', meaning 'drop'. The word maintained both its form (with just a minor spelling change from 'tt' to 't') and its basic meaning of 'drop' as it evolved from Latin to Spanish. In Spanish, 'gota' also developed the additional meaning of 'gout' - a medical condition - because ancient doctors believed this painful joint condition was caused by drops of bad humors flowing into the joints.

The Spanish word 'gotear' (to drip) and 'gotero' (dropper) are derived from 'gota'. These related words form a family of terms all connected to the concept of drops and dripping.

The English word 'gout' is etymologically related to Spanish 'gota', as both come from the Latin 'gutta'. While Spanish retained the original meaning of 'drop' and extended it to the disease, English only preserved the medical meaning. The English word 'gutter' also comes from the same Latin root, as gutters were originally channels for drops of water to flow through.