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

When a doctor says lupus is controlled, the next conversation can be just as important as the diagnosis itself. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 2026

Beyond family history, those risk enhancers include being overweight or obese, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, as well as chronic inflammatory conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. —Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 13 Mar. 2026

Eventually, she was diagnosed with the autoimmune disease lupus and prescribed an inflammation-lowering steroid. —Jamie Ducharme, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

Romy Kandera, who received an infusion at eighteen years old, had been a talented pianist until lupus caused swelling in her fingers. —Jason Liebowitz, New Yorker, 6 Mar. 2026

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