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

Strep throat, stomach ulcers and the like do not engender debates as to their existence. — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 6 Sep. 2026

Antosh recommends checking with a doctor before using a high-pressure bidet right after childbirth or with genital ulcers, since powerful streams can irritate healing tissue. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 29 Aug. 2026

Friends said her poise helped to hide the anxieties that landed her in a hospital with ulcers soon after their return. — Robert D. McFadden, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2026

Chemist Paul Ehrlich tested what is now recognized as the first chemotherapy drug, injecting arsphenamine, his team’s 606th compound, into a rabbit that had been infected with syphilitic ulcers. — USA Today, 18 Aug. 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