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

As the condition progresses, symptoms may include changes in skin color, ulcers, blisters, black spots, pus or oozing from the infected area, fatigue, dizziness, and diarrhea or nausea. —David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Dec. 2024

The fight was originally scheduled for July 20 but had to be postponed when Tyson was treated for a stomach ulcer after falling ill on a flight. —Schuyler Dixon, The Mercury News, 15 Nov. 2024

Her father abused drugs, was imprisoned for shoplifting and later died at age 38 after some pancreatic ulcers ruptured, Scanlon says. —Hilary Shenfeld, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024

Its expression varies from no symptoms, through mild ones to recurrent genital ulcers. —Dr. Tal Patalon, Md, Llb, Forbes, 14 Dec. 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