1. Small, fleshy, wart-like growths or protuberances on the skin or mucous membranes of animals, especially birds.
Usage: Plural of caruncle; Commonly found on the heads and necks of turkeys and other fowl
2. In botany, a small fleshy outgrowth on a seed near the hilum.
Usage: Technical botanical term; Plural of caruncle
3. In anatomy, a small reddish elevation of tissue, especially the lacrimal caruncle in the corner of the eye.
Usage: Medical/anatomical term; Plural of caruncle

Examples

• The turkey's caruncles turned bright red during mating season.
• Wild turkeys display their caruncles as part of their courtship behavior.
• The bird's head was covered with distinctive caruncles and wattles.
• Some seeds have caruncles that aid in their dispersal.
• The lacrimal caruncles are small structures located in the inner corner of each eye.