The word “carbuncle” has two primary definitions:
1. **Medical Definition**: In a medical context, a carbuncle refers to a painful cluster of boils (furuncles) that are connected to each other beneath the skin. It is typically caused by bacterial infection and is characterized by redness, swelling, and pus-filled lesions.
2. **Gemological Definition**: In gemology, a carbuncle is a type of deep red garnet or a gemstone that has a cabochon cut, often resembling a polished surface rather than a faceted one.
The word can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is an unsightly or painful problem.
