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

Her mother was battling lupus and severe arthritis, and even at that young age, Carolyn felt the urge to help. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 9 June 2025

In lupus—where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue—this modulation may help reduce flare-ups and symptom severity. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 20 May 2025

Williams explained that after experiencing prolonged fatigue, chronic diarrhea, and limb aches, she was first misdiagnosed with lupus and perimenopause. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 19 Apr. 2025

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

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