First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
ulcer
noun ul·cer \ˈəl-sər\
medical : a painful, sore area inside or outside the body
Full Definition of ULCER
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
See ulcer defined for English-language learners
See ulcer defined for kids
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Origin of ULCER
Middle English, from Latin ulcer-, ulcus; akin to Greek helkos wound
Rhymes with ULCER
ULCER Defined for Kids
ulcer
noun ul·cer \ˈəl-sər\
Definition of ULCER for Kids
: a slow-healing open painful sore (as of the lining of the stomach) in which tissue breaks down
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