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 four-legged athletes received treats, massages, copious amounts of hay to sleep on and Prilosec to prevent stomach ulcers, Altemus said. —Megan Forrester, ABC News, 28 Feb. 2025

As per Healthline, patches or ulcers may indicate abnormal cell growth, which can develop into malignant tumors. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

If they are taken inappropriately, side effects such as muscle weakness, irregular heartbeats, and stomach ulcers can occur.22 11. —Kumkum S. Patel, Verywell Health, 31 Jan. 2025

Along with his obesity amd high blood pressure, Henry suffered from painful venous leg ulcers that made his lower limbs swell, and pustules would burst. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 9 Jan. 2025

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

Rhymes for ulcer

• pulser

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