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 ( see 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

Ulcer patients must serve as their own guinea pigs, experimenting on their guts until they find sustenance that doesn’t come with a side of discomfort for them.

From New York Times • Apr. 13, 2017

Ulcer surgery proved the most dangerous; 42 percent of nursing home patients died, compared with 26 percent of others.

From New York Times • Jan. 25, 2012

Ulcer patients have long been known to be susceptible to internal bleeding after taking aspirin, but this was assumed to result from what was, in effect, an overdose only for their sensitive stomachs.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ulcer sufferers seem to have an overactive vagus nerve.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is the Putrifaction of the Substance of the Bone, or else its Ulcer or Gangrene.

From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel

Related Words

• abscess
• lesion
• sore