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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some studies have described BPC-157 being used to treat knee pain, a chronic bladder condition known as interstitial cystitis and ulcerative colitis, a common type of inflammatory bowel disease that can cause inflammation and ulcers in the colon. — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 Symptoms can vary depending on where and how the infection got into the body, but are frequently associated with skin or other ulcers, along with swollen lymph nodes. — Jennifer McLogan, CBS News, 31 July 2026 He was allegedly forced to inhale gasoline and paint fumes and kept in conditions that left him suffering from chronic panic attacks, insomnia, stomach ulcers and permanent nerve damage to his wrists and hands. — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 14 July 2026 If left untreated, the affected tissue surrounding the bite dies and sloughs off the body, leaving behind an ulcer. — Rae Ford, Martha Stewart, 5 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for ulcer

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

Phrases Containing ulcer

Rhymes for ulcer

See All Rhymes for ulcer

Browse Nearby Words

ULCC
ulcer
ulcerate
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ulcer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ulcer. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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)
: ulcerate

More from Merriam-Webster on ulcer

Nglish: Translation of ulcer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about ulcer

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