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

Healthcare providers use colonoscopies to diagnose ulcers, polyps, and colon or rectal cancer (colorectal cancer). —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Health, 12 Dec. 2024

Don’t take any antacids, ulcer medications, or any other medications your doctor has told you to stop. —Kelly Burch, Verywell Health, 4 Dec. 2024

Bayesian’s platform uses AI to analyze electronic medical records and identify patients at risk of developing pressure ulcers, allowing for preventative care. —Time Staff, TIME, 30 Oct. 2024

Medics initially thought the ulcer was caused by bacteria and prescribed a strong antibiotic, but further results confirmed Calvin couldn't eat gluten. —Becca Longmire, People.com, 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