[uhl-ser] 
| 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. |
| ul·cer (ŭl'sər) n.
[Middle English, from Old French ulcere, from Latin ulcus, ulcer-.] |
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.
Note: 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.
ulcer ul·cer (ŭl'sər)
n.
A lesion of the skin or of a mucous membrane, such as the one lining the stomach or duodenum, that is accompanied by formation of pus and necrosis of surrounding tissue, usually resulting from inflammation or ischemia.
| ulcer (ŭl'sər) Pronunciation Key
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. |
