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

In March, Hilton said in a series of posts that he had been hospitalized for three weeks with an ulcer and sepsis. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026

The blogger was hospitalized in March after taking flu medicine on an empty stomach, which later led him to develop an ulcer, perforation and sepsis. — Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 13 Aug. 2026

Around 9 months old, painful ulcers began developing on Noelle’s tongue. — Jordan Greene, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026

Necrotizing fasciitis can progress quickly, producing ulcers, blisters, skin discoloration and pus. — Bill Sullivan, The Conversation, 11 Aug. 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