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

At Mesa Verde, Karam, who has a chronic stomach ulcer, had been receiving regular medication, was frequently kept on a liquid diet as prescribed by a doctor, and was able to see medical staff routinely. —Oren Peleg, New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2026

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

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