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

Campbell's wife suffers from abdominal ulcers and kidney stones, requiring treatment that would be covered under his U.S. health insurance. —Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Aug. 2025

The doctors surgically removed the ulcer and masses and closed off the clotted veins. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 31 July 2025

Doctors may prescribe medicines to increase blood flow, prevent blood clots, and heal ulcers. —Rosie McCall, Discover Magazine, 21 July 2025

Many people describe stinging or burning in their eyes and blurry vision; over time, infections and ulcers can develop. —Angela Haupt, Time, 21 July 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