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

Stomach issues: Stress can increase inflammation in the digestive tract, cause an upset stomach, and increase the risk of vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers, and other digestive concerns. —Ashley Olivine, Ph.d., Mph, Verywell Health, 4 Mar. 2025

Red light therapy has also reduced other complications from cancer treatment, including oral ulcers, scars and fibrosis. —Praveen Arany, The Conversation, 24 Jan. 2025

Buruli Ulcer Cases in Australia Buruli ulcer, a severe skin disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium ulcerans, emerged in Batemans Bay, New South Wales. —John Drake, Forbes, 30 Dec. 2024

Appearance: This painful skin issue usually starts as small blisters or raised bumps on the skin that develop into deep ulcers (sores).7 In adults, it's commonly located on the lower half of the body, such as the legs. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 6 Mar. 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