ulcer

[ uhl-ser ]

noun

1. Pathology. a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue, the formation of pus, etc.
2. peptic ulcer.
3. any chronically corrupting or disrupting condition, element, etc.

ulcer

/ ˈʌlsə /

noun

1. 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
2. a source or element of corruption or evil

ulcer

/ ŭl′sər /

1. 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.

ulcer

1. 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

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 .

Other Words From

• anti·ulcer adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ulcer¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin ulcer-, stem of ulcus; akin to Greek hélkos, perhaps also to Old Norse illr ( ill ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ulcer¹

C14: from Latin ulcus; related to Greek helkos a sore

Example Sentences

The event was originally planned for July 20 but was rescheduled to Nov. 15 after Tyson had an ulcer flare-up.

From Los Angeles Times

But in “English Teacher,” Enrico Colantoni plays Grant Moretti, a walking ulcer of a school principal who somehow manages to handle all the helicopter parenting, feuding students, budget cuts and everything else that’s thrown at him.

From Los Angeles Times

But a couple of months after being brought to the camp, Philipsborn developed a gastric ulcer.

From BBC

After being released, she went back to Jamia and continued her work, but struggled to perform with the same gusto as her ulcer turned cancerous.

From BBC

Last year, the “Dancing in the Dark” and “Born in the U.S.A” singer postponed several shows due to his digestive illness, peptic ulcer disease, which is not mentioned in the documentary.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abscess
• lesion
• sore