Ulcer Meaning and Definition
Ulcer
Pronunciation
/ˈʌlkər/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A break in the epithelial lining of the skin or mucous membrane, often caused by infection, inflammation, or chemical injury, resulting in the formation of an open sore.
Examples
- The patient developed an ulcer on their leg after the surgery.
- Ulcers are often caused by a bacterial infection.
Synonyms
- Boil
- Sore
Antonyms
- Healing
- Scar
Etymology
The word “ulcer” comes from the Latin “ulcus”, meaning “sore” or “wound”, and is related to the Greek “oulē”, meaning “chill” or “shiver”, likely due to the association of ulceration with fever and diseased conditions.
Usage Notes
When using the word “ulcer”, it is important to consider the context and the type of ulcer being referred to, as different types have different causes and treatments.
Cultural References
Ulcers have been mentioned in various forms of media, including literature and film, often as a symbol of suffering or pain.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“To cut the Gordian ulcer” (fig.) – to solve a difficult problem by cutting through red tape or finding a simple solution.
Related Words or Phrases
- Wound
- Sore
- Infection
Collocations
- pressure ulcer
- peptic ulcer
- mouth ulcer
Frequency of Use
Ulcer is a relatively uncommon word in everyday conversation, but is frequently used in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
ulcer, ulser, ulsera