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

Biogen has shifted its focus to its pipeline of late-stage products, including therapies for lupus and antibody-medicated rejection (AMR) treatments for kidney transplant patients, according to Wells Fargo. —Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Apr. 2026

The venture, Beeline Medicines, will continue development of five inflammatory and immune disorder drugs, starting with a potential daily pill for lupus. —Allison Deangelis, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026

In early March, Scarlett was diagnosed with lupus. —Mark Marino, PEOPLE, 15 Apr. 2026

She was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa — an eye disease that causes vision loss — and lupus, a disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s healthy tissues and organs instead of fighting germs, according to court records. —Chase Jordan april 10, Charlotte Observer, 10 Apr. 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