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 Others are more serious than hemorrhoids but treatable, like an ulcer, an anal fissure, a polyp, or a medication (like an NSAID or blood thinner) that can cause bleeding as a side effect. Theresa Tamkins, SELF, 10 June 2024 The match was originally slated for July 20 but was delayed after Tyson suffered an ulcer flareup during a flight from Miami to Los Angeles on May 26. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 7 June 2024 Tyson, who trained in Arizona, had a recent ulcer flare-up, and doctors advised him to lighten his training for a few weeks to rest and recover. Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 5 June 2024 As a defense mechanism, ladybugs secrete a substance that can cause painful mouth and stomach ulcers, Watkins says. Clare Mulroy, USA TODAY, 30 May 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 4 Jul. 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

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