ˈkärˌbəŋkəl, ˈkȧˌb- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin carbunculus small coal, dark red precious stone, tumor, diminutive of carbon-, carbo ember — more at carbon
1.
a. obsolete : any of several red precious stones (as the ruby)
b. : the garnet cut cabochon
c. : escarbuncle
2.
a. : a painful local inflammation of the skin and deeper tissues especially of the back of the neck and trunk characterized by hardness, formation of openings for the discharge of pus from multiple pockets, breakdown of the surface skin and sloughing of dead tissue, usually accompanied by fever
b. obsolete : a pimple or red spot (as on the face) believed to be due to intemperance
3. : a dark grayish reddish brown that is duller and slightly redder than average brown mahogany and yellower and slightly less strong than average Burgundy (sense 2a) — called also London brown