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

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

Modern treatments are helping patients with lupus manage their symptoms, which can vary greatly from patient to patient and impact multiple organs and bodily systems. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 12 Dec. 2025

For example, people with lupus may have Raynaud’s, which is when the blood vessels constrict, and that can flare during cold weather. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 5 Dec. 2025

Scientists have found the clearest evidence yet that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – which nearly all of us carry for life – is directly responsible for hijacking our immune system's cells to cause lupus, a chronic disease that affects up to a million Americans. —New Atlas, 21 Nov. 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