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, adjective

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
[ ŭlsər ]

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
[ ŭlsər ]

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.