Tuesday 28 November 2017

The case of the confusing carbuncle

The word carbuncle is a really strange word! It is strange, not because it has 2 meanings , several words in English have 2 meanings- but it is strange in the complete diversity of meanings of the word!!
One meaning is - a bright red gem, in particular a garnet cut en cabochon.
The other is - a multiple boil or severe abscess on the skin - ew!

So be careful how you use the word, you might sound very wierd if the context does not make the meaning crystal clear !!!

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