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

Without a map of these switches, finding the true origin of complex diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and schizophrenia is a slow, expensive,and often fruitless endeavor. —Miguel Llorca, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025

In 2013, the Only Murders in the Building star was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs that has no cure, per Mayo Clinic. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025

Broadus had a high risk pregnancy due to lupus, a condition she’s lived with since getting diagnosed at the age of six. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 4 Sep. 2025

There are many different kinds of arthritis, from rheumatoid arthritis to lupus, though osteoarthritis is the most prevalent. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 26 Aug. 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