ulcer
[ uhl-ser ]
/ ˈʌl sər /
noun
Pathology.
a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue, the formation of pus, etc.
any chronically corrupting or disrupting condition, element, etc.
Origin of ulcer
1350–1400; Middle English < Latin
ulcer- (stem of
ulcus); akin to Greek
hélkos
OTHER WORDS FROM ulcer
an·ti·ul·cer, adjectiveWords nearby ulcer
Example sentences from the Web for ulcer
British Dictionary definitions for ulcer
ulcer
/ (ˈʌlsə) /
noun
a disintegration of the surface of the skin or a mucous membrane resulting in an open sore that heals very slowly
See also peptic ulcer
a source or element of corruption or evil
Word Origin for ulcer
C14: from Latin
ulcus; related to Greek
helkos a sore
Medical definitions for ulcer
ulcer
[ ŭl′sər ]
n.
A lesion of the skin or of a mucous membrane, such as the one lining the stomach or duodenum, that is accompanied by formation of pus and necrosis of surrounding tissue, usually resulting from inflammation or ischemia.
Scientific definitions for ulcer
ulcer
[ ŭl′sər ]
A break in the skin or a mucous membrane, such as the one lining the stomach or duodenum, accompanied by inflammation, pus, and loss of tissue.
Cultural definitions for ulcer
ulcer
[ (ul-suhr) ]
An inflamed open sore on the skin or mucous membrane. An ulcer may form in the inner lining of the stomach or duodenum, interfere with digestion, and cause considerable pain.
notes for ulcer
It used to be thought that stress was the cause of stomach and duodenal ulcers, but we now know that they are caused by
bacteria and can be cured by
antibiotics.