ulcer
UK: ˈʌlsə | US: ˈʌlsər
n. an open sore on an external or internal surface of the body, caused by a break in the skin or mucous membrane that fails to heal.
n. (figurative) a persistent or corrupting influence or source of distress.
The word "ulcer" traces back to Latin ulcus (genitive ulceris), meaning "sore" or "wound." The root ulc- retains its core meaning of a painful, festering lesion. The suffix -er (via Old French -re) nominalizes the term. Over time, "ulcer" expanded metaphorically to describe persistent moral or social decay, mirroring the physical condition's unhealed nature.
The patient was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer.
Untreated ulcers can lead to serious complications.
Corruption is an ulcer in the fabric of society.
The wound developed into a painful ulcer.
Stress can exacerbate ulcer symptoms.