1. a severe skin infection with multiple connected boils that form a cluster of pus-filled bumps
Usage: medical
2. a smooth, rounded gemstone, especially a red garnet cut in a dome shape without facets
Usage: jewelry; archaic

Examples

• The doctor prescribed antibiotics to treat the painful carbuncle on his neck.
• She needed surgery to drain the large carbuncle that had developed on her back.
• The medieval crown was adorned with several deep red carbuncles.
• Ancient jewelers prized carbuncles for their rich, glowing color.
• The carbuncle required careful cleaning and bandaging to prevent further infection.
• His grandmother’s ring featured a beautiful carbuncle surrounded by small diamonds.