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

People with stomach ulcers or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). —Laura Schober, Health, 16 Jan. 2026

Some high-dose NSAIDs and drugs for stomach ulcers should be available over-the-counter at pharmacies or through TrumpRx. —Ed Silverman, STAT, 16 Jan. 2026

Foro Penal reported that Osorio Chía had been held at El Helicoide, where his health deteriorated severely, including a bout of chronic gastritis caused by an ulcer. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 9 Jan. 2026

Wounds range from diabetic foot ulcers to venous and arterial ulcers and bed sores. —Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 8 Jan. 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