Definition

A sore or lesion that forms on the skin or inside the body, often causing pain and sometimes producing pus.

Example

The doctor diagnosed her with a stomach ulcer after she complained of severe abdominal pain.

Conversation

I heard you were feeling unwell lately; what’s going on?

Yeah, I think I might have an ulcer or something.

That sounds painful. Have you seen a doctor about it?

Not yet, but I plan to — I just want to get it checked out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ulcer comes from the Latin word "ulcus" (meaning sore or wound). The term refers to a sore or open wound on the body, often associated with inflammation.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word for sore, 'ulcus', to remember that an ulcer is a type of sore or wound.

Visually Confused Words