How to Pronounce Aphthous Ulcers

Say it like this: AF-thus UL-serz. The first word rhymes with 'after' but starts with 'aff,' and the second word sounds like 'ulcers' (rhymes with 'pullers'). Put the stress on the first syllable of the first word: AF-thus.

Aphthous ulcers are commonly called canker sores. Both terms refer to the same small, painful sores that appear inside the mouth, so if you hear either name, they're talking about the same thing.

'Aphthous' has two syllables: aph-thus. The stress falls on the first syllable (aph), which is why you say it AF-thus, not aph-THUS.

Many people accidentally stress the second syllable and say aph-THUS instead of AF-thus. To say it correctly, put the emphasis on the first part—AF-thus—like you're starting to say 'after.'

'Aphthous' comes from the Greek word 'aphtha,' which literally means 'ulcer' or 'sore.' Ancient Greek doctors used this word to describe these small painful spots, and the term is still used the same way in medicine today.

Yes, doctors sometimes just say 'aphthae' (AF-ee), which is the plural form of the original Greek word 'aphtha.' You might also see it written as 'RAS' (recurrent aphthous stomatitis), though that's more technical.

Break it like this: aph-thus ul-cerz. There are four syllables total, with the stress on the first syllable of the first word: AF-thus UL-cerz.

'Stomatitis' (inflammation of the mouth) is often paired with aphthous ulcers, and you'll sometimes see the term 'aphthous stomatitis.' Both 'aphtha' and 'aphthous' come from the same Greek root referring to mouth sores.

Here's an example: 'My doctor explained that the small sores in my mouth are aphthous ulcers, which is the medical term for canker sores.' This shows how the medical term and the everyday name are the same thing.