Ulcer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ulcer

[ˈʌlsər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

An ulcer is a sore on the skin or on a mucous membrane, accompanied by the disintegration of tissue.

Synonyms

lesion, sore, wound.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ulcer

A painful open sore on the skin or mucous membrane that is slow to heal. Often used in medical contexts.

  • The doctor diagnosed him with a stomach ulcer.
  • She has an ulcer on her skin that needs treatment.
sore

A painful area on the body that may or may not be open and often results from irritation, infection, or injury. Can be used in both informal and medical contexts.

  • I have a sore throat.
  • Her feet were covered in sores after the long hike.
wound

An injury, usually involving a cut or break in the skin, that results from external force. Typically used when describing injuries caused by trauma.

  • The soldier had a severe wound on his leg.
  • He got a deep wound from the accident.
lesion

A region in an organ or tissue which has suffered damage, usually through injury or disease. Common in medical and scientific discussions.

  • The MRI scan revealed a lesion in his brain.
  • Skin lesions can be indicative of an underlying condition.

Examples of usage

  • His leg ulcer was slow to heal.
  • The doctor diagnosed him with a stomach ulcer.
  • She developed an ulcer on her lip.
Context #2 | Noun

negative situation

An ulcer can also refer to a source of trouble or affliction, causing pain and distress.

Synonyms

affliction, burden, trouble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
ulcer

An ulcer usually refers to a sore or lesion that forms on the skin or internal mucus membranes, often causing pain or discomfort.

  • The doctor diagnosed him with a stomach ulcer after he complained of persistent abdominal pain.
  • She needed treatment for a painful ulcer on her leg.
burden

Burden is used to describe something that is heavy to bear emotionally or physically, often referring to responsibilities or difficulties imposed on someone.

  • The responsibility of caring for his aging parents became a heavy burden for him.
  • Financial troubles can be a significant burden on a young family.
affliction

Affliction describes a cause of pain or suffering, often used in a broader sense to refer to any condition that causes distress or hardship.

  • Her chronic arthritis was a severe affliction that made daily activities challenging.
  • The village faced numerous afflictions, including drought and disease.
trouble

Trouble is a general term that can refer to problems, difficulties, or disturbances, encompassing a wide range of issues from minor annoyances to significant challenges.

  • She was always getting into trouble at school for talking during class.
  • The project ran into trouble due to a lack of funding.

Examples of usage

  • The ongoing conflict became an ulcer on the country's economy.
  • The financial issues were like an ulcer in their relationship.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Ulcers can occur in different parts of the body, including the stomach, mouth, and on the skin.
  • The most common type is a peptic ulcer, which affects the stomach lining and is often caused by bacteria or certain medications.
  • Symptoms can include burning stomach pain, bloating, and indigestion, and they often worsen when the stomach is empty.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In traditional medicines, ulcers have been treated with herbal remedies, such as marshmallow root or licorice.
  • Cultural beliefs about ulcers can vary; in some cultures, they are associated with stress and emotional health.

Literature

  • Ulcers have been referenced in classic literature, often symbolizing deeper emotional pain or conflict within characters.
  • In Shakespeare's time, ailments like ulcers were often depicted as torments of the soul, showcasing the link between body and mind.

Prevention and Treatment

  • A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help prevent ulcers by promoting overall digestive health.
  • Modern medicine often treats ulcers with medications that reduce stomach acid, allowing the sore to heal.

Origin of 'ulcer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'ulcer' comes from the Latin term 'ulcus,' which means 'sore.'
  • It has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe various types of sores.

The word 'ulcer' originated from the Latin word 'ulcus' meaning 'sore' or 'wound'. The concept of ulcers has been documented throughout history, with references dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Egyptians. In modern medicine, ulcers are better understood and various treatment options are available depending on the type and location of the ulcer.


Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,326 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.