First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
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
1
a obsolete : any of several red precious stones b : the garnet cut cabochon
2
: 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
Rhymes with CARBUNCLE
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
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