carbuncle - As a medical term, In the Bible, In heraldry

An infection in sweat glands and under the skin. It forms multiple confluent abscesses that discharge pus onto the surface through two or more tracts.

(Discuss)

As a medical term

A carbuncle is an abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is treated by drainage of the carbuncle, once it begins to "point" (begin to open to the surface), along with administration of antibiotics.

In the Bible

The word carbuncle occurs in four places in most translations of the Bible. In this sense, a carbuncle is usually taken to mean a gem, particularly a deep-red garnet, unfaceted and convex;

Exodus 28:17 and 39:10 both refer to the carbuncle's use as the third stone in the breastplate of the Hoshen. Ezekiel 28:13 refers to the carbuncle's presence in the Garden of Eden. Isaiah 54:12 uses carbuncle to convey the value of the Lord's blessing on His faithful servants. According to superstition, it is good luck to catch a carbuncle.

In heraldry

In heraldry, a carbuncle is a charge or bearing, consisting of eight radii, or spokes; In Puyo Puyo and its related games, Carbuncle is a "baby dragon" with a red gem on his forehead that shoots lasers. In the Final Fantasy series of games, Carbuncle is a rabbit-like "summoned" monster with a red gem in its forehead. The Blue Carbuncle is a highly valuable blue diamond that is the subject of the Sherlock Holmes short story "The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle". Charles, Prince of Wales, once described the proposed extension to the National Gallery, London as a "monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend". In the Vampire Hunter D novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, D has a "countenanced carbuncle" in his left palm, a sort of symbiotic lifeform that acts as his companion, advisor, and comic relief.