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Ulcerate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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ulcerate

[หˆสŒl.sษ™.reษชt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

medical condition

To ulcerate means to develop into an ulcer, which is a sore on the skin or a mucous membrane. This process often involves the breakdown of tissue and can be caused by various factors including infection, inflammation, or poor blood supply.

Synonyms

break down, decay, erode.

Examples of usage

  • The infected wound began to ulcerate after several days.
  • Patients with diabetes are at risk of ulcerating their feet.
  • The condition caused the skin to ulcerate rapidly.
  • Pills can sometimes irritate the stomach lining and lead to ulceration.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Ulcers can develop in various parts of the body, including the stomach and skin.
  • Chronic conditions like diabetes can increase the risk of ulcers forming, particularly on the feet.
  • Certain bacteria, like Helicobacter pylori, are known to cause stomach ulcers.

History

  • Historically, treatments for ulcers included the use of various herbal remedies before modern medicine developed.
  • In ancient times, ulcers were often linked to poor hygiene and were a major health issue among soldiers during war.
  • The understanding of ulcers evolved dramatically in the 20th century, leading to more effective treatments.

Psychology

  • Stress can exacerbate the formation of ulcers, linking emotional health with physical symptoms.
  • Studies show that anxiety and depression might play a role in the severity of ulcer symptoms.
  • Mind-body therapies are emerging as complementary approaches to manage ulcer-related pain.

Science

  • Research continues to explore how diet affects the healing process of ulcers, focusing on anti-inflammatory foods.
  • New advances in microbiome studies suggest gut health can influence ulcer development and recovery.
  • Scientists are investigating regenerative medicine techniques for treating chronic ulcers more effectively.

Origin of 'ulcerate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'ulcus', meaning 'sore' or 'wound'.
  • Ulcerate entered the English language in the late 15th century, reflecting medical practices of that time.
  • The verb form emphasizes action, meaning to cause a sore or to suffer from one.

The word 'ulcerate' originates from the Latin 'ulcerare', which means 'to ulcer' or 'to create a sore'. This Latin term itself is derived from 'ulcus', meaning 'a sore' or 'a wound'. The earliest known use in English dates back to the 17th century, primarily in medical contexts to describe the process by which tissues become damaged or eroded, leading to the formation of ulcers. Ulceration is often discussed in relation to various diseases, where the term has maintained its medical significance over the centuries.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,077, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.