ˈfyu̇ˌrəŋkəl noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin furunculus petty thief, secondary branch of a vine (that robs the main branches of sap), knob on a vine, furuncle, diminutive of furon-, furo ferret, thief, from fur thief — more at furtive
: a localized inflammatory swelling of the skin and underlying tissues that is caused by infection by a bacterium (especially Staphylococcus aureus ) in a hair follicle or skin gland and that discharges pus and a central core of dead tissue — called also boil ; compare carbuncle