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

Sandor Szabo, Sikiric’s longtime colleague, co-authored a 2017 paper that presents BPC-157 as a promising drug for the prevention and treatment of ulcers. —Sara Talpos — Undark, STAT, 1 June 2026

There is an antidote for recluse bites, but severe ulcers may need surgery. —Eva Flowe may 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 May 2026

Counselors, therapists, doctors, and pharmaceutical companies now focus on problems that are consequences of chronic anxiety — heart ailments, chronic headaches, ulcers and bowel issues — rather than traditional ailments. —Robert B. Reich, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2026

Mifepristone can be used to treat a hormonal condition called Cushing’s disease, and misoprostol is approved to treat stomach ulcers. —Dara Kass, The Conversation, 26 May 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