Definition

Relating to or resembling a type of painful skin infection that appears as a cluster of boils.

Example

The doctor diagnosed the patient with a carbuncular infection that required immediate treatment.

Conversation

Have you seen that painting with the carbuncular shapes?

Yeah, it's really unique and kind of striking!

I think the artist did a great job capturing that style.

Absolutely! It definitely stands out in the gallery.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Carbuncular is formed from "carbunculus" (from Latin, meaning a little coal or a small, painful sore) and the suffix "-ar" (meaning pertaining to). The word describes something that is related to or resembling a carbuncle, which is a type of skin infection.

Memory Tip

Think of 'carbunculus' meaning a small sore or coal-like infection, and remember that 'carbuncular' refers to something related to that type of sore.

Visually Confused Words