ulcer

noun

ul·​cer ˈəl-sər How to pronounce ulcer (audio)
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 The parents took him to the emergency room, and doctors eventually found a stomach ulcer. Becca Longmire, People.com, 22 Oct. 2024 Medications can produce rectal discharge by changing the physiology of your GI tract, causing tissue damage such as ulcers, changing your intestinal microbiota, or through unknown means. Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 15 Oct. 2024 Cutler's personal health issues, including an ulcer, chronic inflammation, and fatigue, prompted her to explore nutrition and lifestyle changes. Hilary Tetenabum, USA TODAY, 4 Oct. 2024 It’s approved by the FDA to treat GERD, duodenal ulcers, and conditions such as Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Ashley Wong, Health, 24 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ulcer 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'ulcer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of ulcer was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near ulcer

Cite this Entry

“Ulcer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ulcer. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

ulcer

noun
ul·​cer ˈəl-sər How to pronounce ulcer (audio)
: a slow-healing open sore in which tissue breaks down

Medical Definition

ulcer

1 of 2 noun
ul·​cer ˈəl-sər How to pronounce ulcer (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce ulcer (audio)

More from Merriam-Webster on ulcer

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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