'carbuncle' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'carbunculus,' where 'carbo' meant 'coal' and the diminutive '-culus' meant 'little.'

'carbunculus' transformed into the Old French word 'carbuncle,' and eventually became the modern English word 'carbuncle.'

Initially, it meant 'a small piece of coal' or 'a glowing ember,' but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'a cluster of boils' and 'a red gemstone.'