lupus

noun

lu·​pus ˈlü-pəs 

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

Examples of lupus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Red light therapy can interact with medications and make some conditions, like lupus, worse.2 Consider your skin tone. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 3 June 2025

This could be particularly helpful for diseases that are complicated on a molecular level, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus, Reese said. —Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025

The Benaroya Research Institute on Virginia Mason's campus treats autoimmune disorders, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. —David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025

After initially being misdiagnosed with lupus and perimenopause, a doctor finally found a rare cancerous tumor in her pancreas. —Carly Thomas, HollywoodReporter, 21 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, wolf

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing lupus

• lupus erythematosus
• systemic lupus erythematosus

Rhymes for lupus

• croupous

Medical Definition

lupus

noun

lu·​pus ˈlü-pəs 

: any of several diseases (as lupus vulgaris or systemic lupus erythematosus) characterized by skin lesions