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

Wilson, 57, sought medical attention after facing issues with blood pressure and swelling, and told her Instagram followers that doctors found an ulcer while removing the silicone band from her stomach. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 26 Sep. 2025

Overloading with iron supplements may lead to stomach ulcers, decreased zinc absorption, or constipation. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2025

Calicivirus - sneezing, nasal discharge, ulceration of the surface of the nose, conjunctivitis (eye inflammation), eye discharge, ulcers on the lip, tongue or elsewhere in the mouth, fever, lethargy, dehydration, pneumonia, joint inflammation or signs related to blood vessel wall inflammation. —Noe Padilla, IndyStar, 25 Sep. 2025

Taking higher doses, especially on an empty stomach, can lead to gastric discomfort, constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, inflammation of the stomach lining, ulcers, and decreased zinc absorption. —Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 24 Sep. 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