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

The 26-year-old, the youngest of Snoop Dogg’s four children and his only daughter, has immune system conditions including lupus, so her pregnancy was being closely monitored. —Theresa Braine, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026

That kind of documentation—tracking symptoms, flares, fatigue and how lupus affects daily life—can help patients move the conversation beyond lab results and toward whether their current care is truly adequate. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 6 Jan. 2026

These conditions, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, involve inflammation, which could translate into higher heart-attack risk over time by harming the lining of blood vessels. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 15 Dec. 2025

The duo encountered many young patients with lymphoma, lupus and tuberculosis during that time. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 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