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

An endoscopy eventually revealed a stomach ulcer, and additional testing confirmed that Calvin had celiac disease. —Emily Weaver, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025

In severe cases, people may develop ulcers or bleeding if a pill damages the esophageal lining. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 6 Feb. 2025

However, in rare cases, persistent sores or ulcers that do not heal within two weeks and show abnormal growth may warrant further examination. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

Roxy is currently staying at the shelter's ICU to be treated for severe burns on her body, face and the ulcers in her eyes as well as her extremely inflamed gums. —Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY, 10 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

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