carbuncle

noun car·bun·cle \ˈkär-ˌbəŋ-kəl\

: a large painful swelling under the skin

: a jewel (such as a garnet) that is cut into a rounded shape

Full Definition of CARBUNCLE

a obsolete : any of several red precious stones

b : the garnet cut cabochon

: a painful local purulent inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues with multiple openings for the discharge of pus and usually necrosis and sloughing of dead tissue

— car·bun·cled \-kəld\ adjective

— car·bun·cu·lar \kär-ˈbəŋ-kyə-lər\ adjective

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Origin of CARBUNCLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French charbucle, carbuncule, from Latin carbunculus small coal, carbuncle, diminutive of carbon-, carbo charcoal, ember

First Known Use: 13th century

Rhymes with CARBUNCLE

caruncle, Dutch uncle, furuncle, granduncle, great-uncle, peduncle, say uncle

Medical Dictionary

carbuncle

noun car·bun·cle \ˈkär-ˌbəŋ-kəl\

Medical Definition of CARBUNCLE

: a painful local purulent inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues with multiple openings for the discharge of pus and usually necrosis and sloughing of dead tissue

—car·bun·cu·lar \kär-ˈbəŋ-kyə-lər\ adjective