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

Menopause and autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also accelerate collagen loss, according to the Arthritis Foundation. —Stacey Colino, Time, 8 June 2026

The first focuses on the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, the most common type of lupus. —Justin Zacks, CNBC, 4 June 2026

In another case, senior finance manager Beth Arbuckle sued the bank in federal court in December 2024, claiming she was penalized for wanting to work from home in the Charlotte area for serious health reasons, including lupus and an eye disease. —Chase Jordan june 2, Charlotte Observer, 2 June 2026

The medication is also used widely for conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. —Dara Kass, The Conversation, 26 May 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