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

Up to 80% of cases lead to skin ulcers and swollen, tender glands. —Adriana Pérez, Chicago Tribune, 28 Apr. 2025

According to John Barrymore: Shakespearean Actor by Michael A. Morrison, John was diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia, hardening of the arteries, hemorrhaging ulcers and cirrhosis of the liver. —Nicole Briese, People.com, 22 Feb. 2025

The actual reason for the mayor’s absence last week was a spate of medical tests that included an M.R.I.; a test for Helicobacter pylori, an infection that causes stomach ulcers; and other blood work, the spokeswoman, Kayla Mamelak Altus, said. —Jeffery C. Mays, New York Times, 6 Feb. 2025

Although varicose veins are usually not a big deal, in some cases varicose veins can cause blood clots or ulcers. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 15 Apr. 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