carbuncle
1022 Views

GG: n

S: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/carbuncles-causes-treatments (last access: 13 September 2015); https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000825.htm (last access: 13 September 2015); DORLAND p. 99.

N: 1. early 13c., “fiery jewel,” from Old North French carbuncle (Old French charbocle, charboncle) “carbuncle-stone,” also “carbuncle, boil,” from Latin carbunculus “red gem,” also “red, inflamed spot,” literally “a little coal,” from carbo (genitive carbonis) “coal” (see carbon). Originally of rubies, garnets, and other red jewels; in English the word was applied to tumors from late 14c.
2. A carbuncle is a skin infection that often involves a group of hair follicles. The infected material forms a lump, called mass, which occurs deep in the skin. When you have more than one carbuncle, the condition is called carbunculosis.
3. A necrotizing infection of skin and subcutaneous tissue composed of a cluster of boils (furuncles), usually due to Staphylococcus aureus, with multiple formed or incipient drainage sinuses.

S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?allowed_in_frame=0&search=carbuncle&searchmode=none (last access: 2 September 2014). 2. PMH – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001828/ (last access: 11 November 2013). 3. TERMIUM PLUS (last access: 11 November 2013).

SYN:
S:

CR: anthracosis, anthrax.