ulcerate

[ uhl-suh-reyt ]

verb (used without object)

, ul·cer·at·ed, ul·cer·at·ing.

1. to form an ulcer; become ulcerous:

   His skin ulcerated after exposure to radioactive material.

verb (used with object)

, ul·cer·at·ed, ul·cer·at·ing.

1. to cause an ulcer on or in:

   Continued worry ulcerated his stomach.

ulcerate

/ ˈʌlsəˌreɪt /

verb

1. to make or become ulcerous

Other Words From

• ulcer·ation noun
• un·ulcer·ated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ulcerate¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin ulcerātus (past participle of ulcerāre to make sore), equivalent to ulcer- ( ulcer ) + -ātus -ate ¹

Example Sentences

Gummata grow more rapidly, are usually painful to the touch, are not freely movable, and tend to break down and ulcerate.

From Project Gutenberg

The skin of the affected part may become brawny and slightly scaly, and not infrequently may break down and ulcerate.

From Project Gutenberg

As a rule the growths are smooth, firm and elastic, somewhat painful upon pressure, and exhibit a tendency to ulcerate.

From Project Gutenberg

The appearance of any tendency to crusting, to break down or ulcerate is significant of epitheliomatous degeneration.

From Project Gutenberg

These later break down and ulcerate; the ulceration then spreads up and down, causing an immense amount of destruction.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• smolder