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

Importantly, there was no increased risk of side effects such as conjunctivitis, oral ulcers and herpes infections, which are often seen with other eczema medications, so that is a positive differentiator for Rezpeg. —New Atlas, 24 June 2025

Cytotec, a brand name for misoprostol, was registered as an ulcer medication and sold in Mexican pharmacies without a prescription; anyone could walk in and buy it. —Rebecca Grant june 24, Literary Hub, 24 June 2025

Misoprostol, which causes contractions that empty the uterus, has multiple medical uses, including treating ulcers. —Liana Simstrom, NPR, 22 June 2025

Cancer, intestinal infections, and stomach ulcers can also cause sticky poop. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 21 June 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