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

The company is also developing a device for the early detection of diabetic foot ulcers, supported by a grant from the Israeli Innovation Authority. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

Misoprostol on its own is approved, as well, to prevent stomach ulcers. —Aria Bendix, NBC News, 2 Nov. 2024

The different types include: Acute erosive gastritis: Erosive gastritis occurs when the stomach lining erodes or wears away, leading to painful or bleeding ulcers (open sores). —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 23 Oct. 2024

Further testing revealed ulcers throughout my small intestine, and I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in my late 30s. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 22 Oct. 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