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.

---

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

---

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.

---

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.

---

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

Example Sentences

It can cause ulcers or sores around the animal's mouth and face, difficulties swallowing and breathing, fever and lameness, foetal deformities and stillbirths.

From BBC

Because it appears to accelerate repair, SerpinB3 could eventually be developed into a therapy for chronic, hard-to-heal wounds, such as pressure sores and other ulcers that close only very slowly over time.

From Science Daily

The man had been in Golden State Annex and Mesa Verde ICE Processing Center and during detention developed ulcers in his mouth.

From Los Angeles Times

Squirrels carry some diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including Lyme disease and tularemia, which causes flu-like symptoms and skin ulcers.

From Los Angeles Times

The animals are treated with a mix of antibiotics, gastroprotectants to address stomach ulcers, and bagged fluids to help stabilize the kidneys.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• abscess
• lesion
• sore