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

The not-knowing Deloach said her sister went to jail with prescriptions for bipolar disorder, acid reflux, high blood pressure and stomach ulcers. —Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026

No, the Giants are going to play a grueling slate of tight, ulcer-inducing baseball games, as is tradition around these parts. —Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026

They’re not bothered by heart attacks or ulcers. —Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026

Those findings also found a significant risk of bleeding in the brain or skull after head injuries, as well as a risk of intestinal ulcers. —Karl Hille, Baltimore Sun, 3 Mar. 2026

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