Definition of CARBUNCLE

carbuncle

Meanings

Plural: carbuncles

Noun

  • deep-red cabochon garnet cut without facets
  • an infection larger than a boil and with several openings for discharge of pus
  • A deep-red or fiery colored garnet or other dark red precious stone, especially when cut cabochon.
  • A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone, with eight sceptres or staves radiating from a common centre; an escarbuncle.
  • An abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by staphylococcal infection.
  • An unpopular or ugly building; an eyesore.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English carbuncle, charbocle, from Old French carbuncle, charbuncle, from Latin carbunculus (“a small coal; a reddish kind of precious stone; a kind of tumor”), diminutive of carbō (“a coal, charcoal”). Doublet of Garfinkel and Garfunkel.

Scrabble Score: 15

carbuncle is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
carbuncle is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
carbuncle is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 21

carbuncle is a valid Words With Friends word