ulcer Hear it!

ulcer definition

ul·cer (ul′sər)

noun

  1. an open sore (other than a wound) on the skin or some mucous membrane, as the lining of the stomach (peptic ulcer), characterized by the disintegration of the tissue and, often, the discharge of pus
  2. any corrupting or festering condition or influence

Etymology: L ulcus (gen. ulceris) < IE *elkos-, abscess > Sans árśas-, hemorrhoids, Gr helkos, abscess, wound

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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