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

Rangel lost 30 pounds in the nearly two weeks he was stranded and was treated for an ulcer, a bacterial infection and blood clots in his legs — all while mourning the loss of his childhood friend. —Virginia Chamlee, PEOPLE, 13 Dec. 2025

Experts recommend consuming no more than 400 mg of caffeine daily, and people with severe hypertension, anxiety, epilepsy, stomach ulcers, or pregnancy may need to cut back further. —Md Published, Verywell Health, 8 Dec. 2025

These breeds also have ocular problems such as exophthalmos or bulging eyes which can predispose to dry eye, conjunctivitis, and corneal ulcers. —Dr. John De Jong, Boston Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

Sold them short because of their skill at winning when ulcers aggravate and palms sweat. —Troy Renck, Denver Post, 24 Nov. 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