from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Ulcer \Ul"cer\, n. [F. ulc[`e]re, L. ulcus, gen. ulceris, akin
to Gr. ?.]
1. (Med.) A solution of continuity in any of the soft parts
of the body, discharging purulent matter, found on a
surface, especially one of the natural surfaces of the
body, and originating generally in a constitutional
disorder; a sore discharging pus. It is distinguished from
an abscess, which has its beginning, at least, in the
depth of the tissues.
[1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: Anything that festers and corrupts like an open
sore; a vice in character.
[1913 Webster]
{Cold ulcer} (Med.), an ulcer on a finger or toe, due to
deficient circulation and nutrition. In such cases the
extremities are cold.
[1913 Webster]