ulcer

noun

ul·​cer ˈəl-sər 

1

: a break in skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus

2

: something that festers and corrupts like an open sore

ulcer verb

Examples of ulcer in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Similarly, aloe vera mouthwash reduced the severity of oral mucositis, a condition that causes ulcers and inflammation inside the mouth. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 10 Sep. 2024

Vicious fighting occurred in gruesome conditions, with soldiers suffering from malaria, dengue fever, dysentery and tropical ulcers in a rain-sodden labyrinth so dense that those who left the trail were often never seen again. —Tony Perrottet, Smithsonian Magazine, 3 Sep. 2024

If left untreated, fecal impaction can lead to complications such as bowel perforation, infections, or ulcers. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 Aug. 2024

Venomous spider bites may cause additional symptoms such as muscle pain, cramping, sweating, headache, and ulcers—in which case a trip to urgent care is in order. —Loren Savini, Allure, 25 July 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin ulcer-, ulcus; akin to Greek helkos wound

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ulcer

• anti-ulcer
• decubitus ulcer
• gastric ulcer
• mouth ulcer
• peptic ulcer
• rodent ulcer

Kids Definition

ulcer

noun

ul·​cer ˈəl-sər 

: a slow-healing open sore in which tissue breaks down

Medical Definition

ulcer

1 of 2 noun

ul·​cer ˈəl-sər 

: a break in skin or mucous membrane with loss of surface tissue, disintegration and necrosis of epithelial tissue, and often pus

a stomach ulcer

ulcer

2 of 2 verb

ulcered; ulcering ˈəls-(ə-)riŋ 

: ulcerate