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

Overall, whether they were hospitalized or not, adults who have had COVID-19 are about 36% more likely than uninfected people to develop gastrointestinal disorders including ulcers, pancreatitis, IBS, and acid reflux, according to a 2023 study published in Nature Communications. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 1 Oct. 2024

Just like rectal bleeding, abdominal pain can have a laundry list of other possible causes, like heartburn, ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), urinary tract infections, and kidney stones. —Amy Norton, SELF, 24 Sep. 2024

Diabetic foot ulcers: One small study found that topical DMSO may be useful in treating foot ulcers in people with diabetes. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 22 Sep. 2024

Podiatric Care for People With Diabetes With diabetes, complications such as wounds, ulcers, infections, and nerve damage can occur to the lower extremities. —Adam H. Kaplan, Verywell Health, 19 Sep. 2024

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

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