It differs from a boil in size, tendency to spread, and the absence of a central core, and is frequently fatal
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
When held up to the sun, it loses its deep tinge, and becomes of the color of burning coal
[ 'kär-"b&[ng]-k&l ] (noun.) 13th century. Middle English, from Old French, from Latin carbunculus small coal, carbuncle, diminutive of carbon-, carbo charcoal, ember.