ulcer

/ˈʌlsər/

/ˈʌlsə/

Other forms: ulcers

A canker sore is a common form of ulcer or open sore. An ulcer can be on an external surface like the mouth or an internal surface, like the stomach. They are caused by a break in skin or mucus membrane that won't heal.

Ulcer comes from the Greek elkos meaning "wound." An ulcer is a wound or lesion that is inflamed and painful. Ulcers are commonly found in the stomach where they are called peptic ulcers. They are caused by a bacteria in the intestinal tract or an overuse of drugs that disturbs the lining of the digestive tract. An ulcer is very acidic and painful. I hope you don't get one.

Definitions of ulcer

1. noun

   a circumscribed inflammatory and often suppurating lesion on the skin or an internal mucous surface resulting in necrosis of tissue
   synonyms: ulceration

   types:

   aphthous ulcer

   a blister on the mucous membranes of the lips or mouth or gastrointestinal tract

   bedsore, decubitus ulcer, pressure sore

   a chronic ulcer of the skin caused by prolonged pressure on it (as in bedridden patients)

   chancroid

   infectious venereal ulcer

   peptic ulcer, peptic ulceration

   an ulcer of the mucous membrane lining of the alimentary tract

   canker, canker sore

   an ulceration (especially of the lips or lining of the mouth)

   noli-me-tangere

   a cancerous ulcer of soft tissue and bone

   noma

   acute ulceration of the mucous membranes of the mouth or genitals; often seen in undernourished children

   duodenal ulcer

   a peptic ulcer of the duodenum

   gastric ulcer

   a peptic ulcer of the stomach

   type of:

   lesion

   any localized abnormal structural change in a bodily part