What is the pathological term for a boil?

The term "furuncle" specifically refers to a boil, which is an inflammation of the hair follicle that leads to the formation of a pus-filled lesion. This typically occurs when bacteria infect the hair follicle, resulting in swelling, redness, and pain. Furuncles can vary in size and usually contain a central core of necrotic tissue.

While other terms like abscess, pustule, and carbuncle are related to skin infections, they denote different conditions. An abscess is a localized collection of pus that can arise from various causes, while a pustule is a small, elevated lesion filled with pus often seen in conditions like acne. A carbuncle consists of multiple interconnected furuncles and is a more severe form of infection. Thus, the term "furuncle" uniquely identifies the specific type of boil, making it the correct choice.