Carbuncle - Definition and Overview

A carbuncle is an abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by bacterial infection.

A carbuncle is also a gem. A deep-red garnet, unfaceted and convex. Strong's Concordance, Hebrew dictionary interprets בָּרְקַת בָּרְקַת bâreqath bâreqath (baw-reh'-keth, baw-rek-ath')From Hebrew reference H1300; a gem (as flashing), perhaps the emerald:—carbuncle. So as to know what color of carbuncle actually appeared in Exodus 28:17 is not known. It was the third stone mentioned in the breastplate of the Hoshen.

Charles, Prince of Wales, once described a proposed redevelopment of Paternoster Square as a "like monstorous carbuncle on the face of a much loved friend", the friend being St. Pauls Cathedral.