Escarbuncle vs. Carbuncle — What's the Difference?

(heraldry) A carbuncle.

A carbuncle is a cluster of boils caused by bacterial infection, most commonly with Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The presence of a carbuncle is a sign that the immune system is active and fighting the infection.

See Carbuncle, 3.

A painful localized bacterial infection of the skin and subcutaneous tissue that usually has several openings through which pus is discharged.

A red precious stone, especially a deep-red garnet cut as a cabochon.

A mythical gemstone said to emit light even in total darkness.

(archaic) A deep-red or fiery colored garnet or other dark red precious stone, especially when cut cabochon.

(heraldry) A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone, with eight sceptres or staves radiating from a common centre; an escarbuncle.

(pathology) An abscess larger than a boil, usually with one or more openings draining pus onto the skin. It is usually caused by staphylococcal infection.

An unpopular or ugly building; an eyesore.

A beautiful gem of a deep red color (with a mixture of scarlet) called by the Greeks anthrax; found in the East Indies. When held up to the sun, it loses its deep tinge, and becomes of the color of burning coal. The name belongs for the most part to ruby sapphire, though it has been also given to red spinel and garnet.

A very painful acute local inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, esp. of the trunk or back of the neck, characterized by brawny hardness of the affected parts, sloughing of the skin and deeper tissues, and marked constitutional depression. It differs from a boil in size, tendency to spread, and the absence of a central core, and is frequently fatal. It is also called anthrax.

A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone. It has eight scepters or staves radiating from a common center. Called also escarbuncle.

Deep-red cabochon-cut garnet cut without facets

An infection larger than a boil and with several openings for discharge of pus