CARBUNCLE

Carbuncle

A carbuncle is an abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus namo kines, which can turn lethal. However, the presence of carbuncles is actually a sign that the immune system is working. The infection is contagious and may spread to other areas of the body, or other people; those living in the same residence may develop carbuncles at the same time.

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carbuncle

Noun

  1. A deep-red or fiery colored garnet or other dark red precious stone, especially when cut cabochon.
  2. An abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by bacterial infection.
  3. A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone, with eight sceptres or staves radiating from a common centre; an escarbuncle.


The above text is a snippet from Wiktionary: carbuncle
and as such is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

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