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. See peptic ulcer
   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

Some studies have found that excess salt brings on ulcers, infections, and may even hasten stomach cancer.

From Popular-Science

Melioidosis infections can present like an infected wound, with swelling or ulcers at the exposure site, but they can also occur in the lungs, the bloodstream or widely spread throughout the body.

From Washington Post

Three months after they appeared, the ulcers completely cleared up, leaving Gaither to wonder what really caused them.

From Popular-Science

A lot of times people equate their abdominal pain with having an ulcer.

From Washington Post

But, experts said, the belief that certain foods and carbonated or acidic beverages can cause or worsen ulcers is a common misconception.

From Washington Post

Indeed, Rep. Paul Ryan may talk a good game about the poor, but his policies still give social-justice advocates an ulcer.

From The Daily Beast

The doctors suspected a heart issue or an ulcer and recommended he follow up with his regular physician.

From The Daily Beast

Talk about a Super Tuesday designed to give all parties involved a massive ulcer.

From The Daily Beast

Buffered and enteric-coated aspirin do not eliminate the risk of developing an ulcer.

From The Daily Beast

Except in gastric ulcer, the danger lies in the retching produced, and the tube can safely be used if the patient takes it easily.

From Project Gutenberg

When found in the fluid removed after a test-meal, it commonly points toward ulcer or carcinoma.

From Project Gutenberg

Recognition of occult hemorrhage has its greatest value in diagnosis of gastric cancer and ulcer.

From Project Gutenberg

And among others, Sir J. Denham he told me he had cured, after it was come to an ulcer all over his face, to a miracle.

From Project Gutenberg

It chanced one day, when he was fifteen, he went into the woods, and the ulcer pained him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abscess
• lesion
• sore

More About Ulcer

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.

Where does ulcer come from?

The first records for the word ulcer come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Latin ulcus, meaning “a sore or ulcer.”

The most common variety of ulcer is the peptic ulcer, which occurs in the stomach or small intestine. Symptoms of ulcers include nausea, heartburn, and pain.

Ulcers by themselves are not usually serious and can easily be cured with antibiotics. However, if not treated, they can lead to more serious problems, such as holes in the stomach tissue or infections.

It was once thought that ulcers were caused by stress or acids. Today we now know that ulcers are caused by bacteria or as a side effect of certain medicines, such as aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to ulcer?

• antiulcer (adjective)

What are some synonyms for ulcer?

• lesion
• sore
• abscess

What are some words that share a root or word element with ulcer? 

• peptic ulcer
• gastric ulcer

What are some words that often get used in discussing ulcer?

• sore
• stomach
• duodenal
• bacteria

 

How is ulcer used in real life?

Ulcers are not fun at all and will result in a trip to the doctor.

Anyone have some helpful remedies for an ulcer? Cuz I feel like I'm gonna die but can't go to the doctor 😞

— s h e l b z Δ (@shelbydee6) June 11, 2020

Just saw a doctor about a possible ulcer who told me to avoid coffee and alcohol. :( So then I promptly went to Starbucks.

— Richelle Mead (@RichelleMead) May 1, 2015

Ulcer pain!!!Terrible,worst 😭😭🤮

— FALI-YOUR JEWELRY VENDOR⛓ (@mz_deruntee) June 13, 2020

Try using ulcer!

True or False?

A peptic ulcer is a sore in your stomach.