Carbuncles

/ˈkɑːrbʌŋkəlz/ noun

Definition

Plural of carbuncle; multiple severe skin infections or valuable red gemstones.

Etymology

Simple plural form of carbuncle, maintaining the Latin-derived singular form structure.

Kelly Says

In medieval literature, 'carbuncles' appear as both the worst medieval nightmare—multiple infections—and as the most prized gems in crowns, showing how the same word carried wildly different meanings depending on context.

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