Carbuncle

(Ex. 28:17; 39:10; Ezek. 28:13). Heb. barkath; LXX. smaragdos; Vulgate, smaragdus; Revised Version, marg., “emerald.” The Hebrew word is from a root meaning “to glitter,” “lighten,” “flash.” When held up to the sun, this gem shines like a burning coal, a dark-red glowing coal, and hence is called “carbunculus”, i.e., a little coal. It was one of the jewels in the first row of the high priest’s breastplate. It has been conjectured by some that the garnet is meant. In Isa. 54:12 the Hebrew word is ’ekdah, used in the prophetic description of the glory and beauty of the mansions above. Next to the diamond it is the hardest and most costly of all precious stones.

This word represents two Hebrew words. The first may he a general term to denote any bright, sparkling gem, (Isaiah 54:12) the second, (Exodus 28:17; 39:10; Ezekiel 28:13) is supposed to be and smaragdus or emerald.

CAR'BUNCLE. This term represents two Hebrew words. The first, Ex 28:17; Ex 39:10; Eze 28:13, meaning flashing like lightning, is supposed to be either the emerald or beryl, both of which are precious stones of a green color." Thy gates of carbuncles," Isa 54:12, has reference to a stone shining like fire — possibly a brilliant species of ruby.

CAR'BUNCLE. This term represents two Hebrew words. The first, Ex 28:17; Ex 39:10; Eze 28:13, meaning flashing like lightning, is supposed to be either the emerald or beryl, both of which are precious stones of a green color." Thy gates of carbuncles," Isa 54:12, has reference to a stone shining like fire — possibly a brilliant species of ruby.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. A beautiful gem of a deep red color (with a mixture of scarlet) called by the Greeks anthrax; found in the East Indies. When held up to the sun, it loses its deep tinge, and becomes of the color of burning coal. The name belongs for the most part to ruby sapphire, though it has been also given to red spinel and garnet.

2. A very painful acute local inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue, esp. 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. It differs from a boil in size, tendency to spread, and the absence of a central core, and is frequently fatal. It is also called anthrax.

3. A charge or bearing supposed to represent the precious stone. It has eight scepters or staves radiating from a common center. Called also escarbuncle.