noun
carbuncle
KAR-bung-kul/ˈkɑːrbʌŋkl/
A painful inflamed cluster of boils.
An inflamed carbuncle forms a cluster of raised swellings on the forearm.
Etymology
Literally “a little coal,” the Latin word named both a red gem and a red, inflamed spot. The glowing-coal image connects that older meaning to the painful inflammation of a cluster of boils.
In context
with a carbuncle, thick lips, and a great double flabby chin
More examples
- The doctor examines the painful carbuncle.
- The new tower is a carbuncle on the historic skyline.
- The medical chart records the size of the carbuncle.
Forms
carbuncle · carbuncles
Similar words
- boil
- A single localized infected swelling rather than a connected cluster.
- eyesore
- An unattractive object, without the medical meaning.