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

Of course, most people already know that high blood pressure can head to heart disease or that Crohn's disease can lead to ulcers. —New Atlas, 6 Sep. 2025

The virus was gone within a day and the ulcers within a month. —Daily Briefing, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2025

The symptoms typically include local or widespread baldness, thinning haircoat, red skin, ulcers, or hives. —Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 26 Aug. 2025

Antacids These drugs neutralize stomach acid and help to manage indigestion and ulcers. —Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 25 Aug. 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