furuncle

[fyoor-uhng-kuhl]

noun

Pathology.

1. boil.

furuncle

/ ˈfjʊərʌŋkəl, fjʊˈrʌŋkjʊlə /

noun

1. pathol the technical name for boil 2

Other Word Forms

• furuncular adjective
• furunculous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of furuncle¹

1670–80; < Latin fūrunculus petty thief, boil, equivalent to fūr thief ( furtive ) + -unculus diminutive suffix extracted from derivatives of n-stems; homunculus

Word History and Origins

Origin of furuncle¹

C17: from Latin fūrunculus pilferer, petty thief, sore on the body, from fūr thief

Example Sentences

It generally includes also various sorts of d�bris—broken-down epithelium, blood-corpuscles, pus-corpuscles, and even, in rare cases, a core of sphacelated tissue like that of a furuncle.

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The immediate result was a large furuncle under the arm and the affliction for which I was consulted.

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Moreover, the Baron had been attacked by a disorder of common occurrence in hot countries, namely, a furuncle, which is exceedingly painful, and obstinately resists every remedy.

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You almost want one just to be able to go around saying 'furuncle.'

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Sulphur should likewise be given in all cases where the furuncles reappear at different periods.

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Related Words

• abscess 
• cyst 
• pimple 
• sore 
• ulcer 
• welt