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

Bacteria emit their own VOCs, which can be picked up in human breath (Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium behind stomach ulcers, smells sulfurous, for example). — Marta Zaraaska, Washington Post, 1 Nov. 2026

The foot-pressure-mapping information could eventually help healthcare professionals identify areas experiencing excessive pressure, particularly in patients at risk of diabetic foot ulcers. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026

Report a new lump, thickened area, persistent ulcer or unexplained bleeding promptly. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 20 Oct. 2026

Manganiello detailed debilitating abdominal pain, fevers, rashes, headaches, fatigue and ulcers in his digestive tract that caused bleeding and led to countless colonoscopies. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 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