ulcerative colitis

noun

: a nonspecific inflammatory disease of the colon of unknown cause characterized by diarrhea with discharge of mucus and blood, cramping abdominal pain, and inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane with patches of ulceration

Examples of ulcerative colitis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The company is known for its medication Humira, which is used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other conditions, as well as the drugs Skyrizi, which treats plaque psoriasis, and Rinvoq for rheumatoid arthritis. —Lisa Schencker, Chicago Tribune, 23 Feb. 2026

Patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis already face enough challenges. —Amy Sue Harper, The Orlando Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026

For example, researchers have tested BPC-157 enemas as a treatment for ulcerative colitis in a pair of clinical trials conducted by the Croatian pharmaceutical company PLIVA in the 2000s. —Sara Talpos — Undark, STAT, 3 Feb. 2026

Additionally, inflammatory bowel diseases, including chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, can lead to long-term colon inflammation and raise the risk of colorectal cancer. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 31 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ulcerative colitis

• enterocolitis

Medical Definition

ulcerative colitis

noun

: a chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that is of unknown cause and is characterized by diarrhea with discharge of mucus and blood, cramping abdominal pain, and inflammation and edema of the mucous membrane with patches of ulceration