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

Rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and scleroderma, are chronic conditions that affect joints, muscles and connective tissue. —Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 7 July 2025

Case reports and clinical studies have linked tattoos to conditions such as sarcoidosis, psoriasis, lupus and pyoderma gangrenosum. —Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025

The eight-person team was responsible for evaluating research and recommending birth control methods for patients with various conditions, from sickle cell disease, kidney disease and lupus to those at risk for HIV. —Zinhle Essamuah, NBC news, 11 June 2025

Ivermectin now allegedly cures all cancers, foot pain, arthritis, lupus, acne, and even boosts your gut microbiome—in addition to curing COVID-19. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 10 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