carbuncle

 
Pronunciation: /ˈkɑːbʌŋk(ə)l/

noun

  • 1a severe abscess or multiple boil in the skin, typically infected with staphylococcus bacteria.
  • 2a bright red gem, in particular a garnet cut en cabochon.

Derivatives

carbuncular

Pronunciation: /-ˈbʌŋkjʊlə/
adjective

Origin:

Middle English (in carbuncle (sense 2)): from Old French charbuncle, from Latin carbunculus 'small coal', from carbo 'coal, charcoal'