carbuncle

IPA

Dictionary definition of carbuncle

A large, swollen skin infection that forms beneath the skin's surface, often used to describe anything unsightly or visually intrusive, especially a building.
"The carbuncle of the tall and bulky air conditioning unit on the rooftop was unsightly."

Detailed meaning of carbuncle

It is often used to describe architecture that is considered to be poorly designed, out of place, or simply unattractive. The term can also be used to describe a building or structure that is seen as a blight on the surrounding area, often described as an eyesore. A carbuncle can also be used to describe a building that is considered to be out of character with its surroundings, or that is not in keeping with the historical or architectural style of the area. The term can also be used to describe a building that is particularly large or imposing, and that has a negative impact on the visual landscape. It is important to note that the term carbuncle is a subjective term, and what one person might find unsightly another might find interesting or unique.

Example sentences of carbuncle

1. The carbuncle on his face made him self-conscious about going out in public.
2. The carbuncle on the side of the building was an eyesore and detracted from the overall aesthetic.
3. The carbuncle of wires and cables behind the television made the room look cluttered.
4. The carbuncle of a parking lot in the middle of a nature reserve was a jarring contrast to the natural beauty.
5. The carbuncle of the graffiti on the train made it hard for the commuters to ignore.
6. The carbuncle of the advertisement billboards along the highway was seen as an eyesore by many local residents.

History and etymology of carbuncle

The noun 'carbuncle' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'carbunculus,' which originally referred to a small, glowing coal or ember. Over time, it evolved to describe a painful, swollen skin infection that forms beneath the skin's surface, often accompanied by multiple pus-filled abscesses. The term 'carbuncle' was used metaphorically to describe anything unsightly or visually intrusive, especially a building or architectural feature that was considered an eyesore. This metaphorical usage likely stemmed from the painful and unsightly nature of the skin infection. 'Carbuncle' thus embodies the concept of something that is not only aesthetically unpleasing but may also be associated with discomfort or distress. It reflects the human tendency to draw comparisons between physical conditions and the appearance of other objects, highlighting the use of vivid metaphors in language.

Find the meaning of carbuncle

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of carbuncle

1. The carbuncle of the abandoned building in the city center was a constant reminder of the area's economic decline.
2. He was embarrassed by the carbuncle of his old car among the shiny new models in the parking lot.
3. The carbuncle of the power lines running through the countryside was viewed as an unwelcome intrusion by many.
4. The carbuncle of the oil rig in the middle of the ocean was a blight on the otherwise picturesque landscape.
5. The carbuncle of the neon lights and loud music from the nearby club made it hard for the residents to sleep at night.
6. He had to undergo surgery to remove the painful carbuncle on his back.
7. The old factory stood like a carbuncle in the otherwise pristine landscape.
8. The skyscraper was a modern architectural carbuncle on the historic street.
9. The city council debated tearing down the urban carbuncle to restore the view.
10. The traffic jam was a persistent urban carbuncle during rush hour.
11. The shopping mall's design turned it into an architectural carbuncle.
12. The abandoned building became a graffiti-covered carbuncle in the neighborhood.
13. The dammed river created an eyesore of a carbuncle in the natural scenery.
14. The cluttered billboard was a visual carbuncle along the highway.
15. The eyes of the beholders were drawn to the building's architectural carbuncle.
16. The unsightly carbuncle of a parking lot spoiled the park's ambiance.
17. The enormous mansion was an ostentatious carbuncle in the quiet suburb.
18. The derelict shipwreck was a maritime carbuncle on the pristine beach.
19. The landfill was an environmental carbuncle in the otherwise green landscape.
20. The graffiti-covered train cars were an urban carbuncle along the tracks.
21. The construction site turned into an unsightly carbuncle in the neighborhood.
22. The nuclear power plant became a controversial carbuncle in the community.
23. The neglected playground was a recreational carbuncle in the city park.

Synonyms

abscess

blister

boil

cyst

infection

lesion

pimple

pustule

sore

swelling

tumor

ulcer

IPA