'ulcerative' originates from Latin, specifically the Medieval Latin word 'ulcerativus', where the element 'ulcer-' comes from Latin 'ulcus' meaning 'sore' and the suffix '-ativus' meant 'relating to'.

'ulcerative' changed from Medieval Latin 'ulcerativus' and entered English through Late Latin/Old French-influenced medical vocabulary, eventually becoming the modern English word 'ulcerative'.

Initially it meant 'relating to an ulcer', but over time it has come to be used more specifically as 'causing or involving the formation of ulcers' in medical contexts.