ulcer

American  

[uhl-ser] / ˈʌl sər /

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.

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ulcer British  

/ 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

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ulcer Scientific  

/ 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.

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ulcer Cultural  

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.

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Usage

What does ulcer mean? An ulcer is a sore on the skin or on a mucous membrane, such as the lining of your stomach. If left untreated, ulcers can result in serious health problems, such as inflammation or death of tissues. Ulcers in the stomach are fairly common in Western countries. They are generally easy to treat but can become serious if not treated. Example: The doctor discovered that an ulcer was causing my stomach pain.

Discover More

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 Word Forms

• antiulcer adjective

Etymology

Origin of ulcer

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. ) )

Compare meaning

How does ulcer compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• canker sore vs. ulcer

Explanation

A canker sore is a common form of ulcer or open sore. An ulcer can be on an external surface like the mouth or an internal surface, like the stomach. They are caused by a break in skin or mucus membrane that won't heal. Ulcer comes from the Greek elkos meaning "wound." An ulcer is a wound or lesion that is inflamed and painful. Ulcers are commonly found in the stomach where they are called peptic ulcers. They are caused by a bacteria in the intestinal tract or an overuse of drugs that disturbs the lining of the digestive tract. An ulcer is very acidic and painful. I hope you don't get one.

Example Sentences

If, say, you’ve had a stomach ulcer, the bot would recommend a painkiller that’s easy on the gut.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 4, 2026

While misoprostol, which is commonly prescribed for ulcer prevention, can be used alone for abortions, it is less effective and less safe than when it’s used in combination with mifepristone.

From Salon • Feb. 9, 2026

Over a lifetime, as many as one in three people with diabetes may experience a foot ulcer.

From Science Daily • Jan. 20, 2026

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 • Nov. 14, 2024

He had walked several kilometers over pavements, and his varicose ulcer was throbbing.

From "1984" by George Orwell

Related Words

• abscess
• lesion
• sore