1
: any of several diseases characterized by skin lesions
especially
: systemic lupus erythematosus sense 2
2
Lupus astronomy
: a southern constellation that is visible between the constellations of Scorpius and Centaurus and that is represented by the figure of a wolf
Above Lupus lies Scorpius, one of the few constellations whose star pattern actually suggests the object that it is named for. In the myths, the scorpion was assigned by Artemis, the hunting goddess, to kill Orion, far across the sky.—
Don Moser
Don MoserExamples of lupus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Halsey revealed she was diagnosed with a form of lupus and another rare disease two years ago.
—Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024
Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form of lupus, an autoimmune condition that can cause swelling, fatigue, and inflammation of internal organs and systems, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 June 2024
Neighboring states list additional eligible conditions, including Parkinson's disease, severe autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, sickle cell disease, anorexia, migraines and lupus.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024
Even speculation that the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine might be useful in the treatment of COVID-19 caused a shortage of the drug for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, who depend on it for their daily well-being.
—Michael T. Osterholm, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020
See all Example Sentences for lupus 
Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024
Systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common form of lupus, an autoimmune condition that can cause swelling, fatigue, and inflammation of internal organs and systems, according to the Lupus Foundation of America.
—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 5 June 2024
Neighboring states list additional eligible conditions, including Parkinson's disease, severe autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, sickle cell disease, anorexia, migraines and lupus.
—Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2024
Even speculation that the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine might be useful in the treatment of COVID-19 caused a shortage of the drug for patients with rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, who depend on it for their daily well-being.
—Michael T. Osterholm, Foreign Affairs, 9 June 2020
See all Example Sentences for lupus
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lupus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Lupus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lupus. Accessed 18 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lupus
noun
lu·pus
ˈlü-pəs 
: any of several diseases (as lupus vulgaris or systemic lupus erythematosus) characterized by skin lesions
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