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

Over 80 autoimmune diseases exist worldwide, including rheumatoid arthritis, celiac disease, lupus, Type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, SIBO, and inflammatory bowel disease. —Dr. Brittany Chambers, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2024

Kelly’s lupus diagnosis brought her closer to Sharon Kelly was diagnosed with lupus in 2007. —Nicole Briese, Peoplemag, 17 Mar. 2024

Sharma is one of at least 80 million people across the United States who suffer from hair loss due to various medical conditions such as alopecia areata, lupus and cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. —Ryan MacAsero, The Mercury News, 10 Mar. 2024

If the immune system is an army, then those with conditions like lupus, multiple sclerosis, or rheumatoid arthritis are often fighting a never-ending war of friendly fire. —Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024

Conditions like diabetes, lupus, and high blood pressure can damage the kidneys over time, reducing their ability to function. —Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024

Neonatal lupus is a rare condition that is passed from a pregnant woman to her infant. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 14 Feb. 2024

Broadus, however, did not elaborate on the circumstances surrounding the stroke or blame her lupus. —Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 18 Jan. 2024

After undergoing chemotherapy at age 13 for lupus, she was devastated to learn in her early 30s that her breast cancer treatment plan included months of chemotherapy. —Emilie Lucchesi, USA TODAY, 24 Jan. 2024

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

Medical Definition

lupus

noun

lu·​pus ˈlü-pəs 

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