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.
Fig.: Anything that festers and corrupts like an open sore; a vice in character. Cold ulcer (Med.), an ulcer on a finger or toe, due to deficient circulation and nutrition. In such cases the extremities are cold.
To ulcerate. [R.] Fuller.
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