lupus

noun

lu·​pus ˈlü-pəs How to pronounce lupus (audio)
1
: any of several diseases characterized by skin lesions
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In lupus, chemotherapy drugs suppress the overactive immune system, helping to reduce inflammation, limit organ damage, and improve quality of life. David Faris, Newsweek, 27 Feb. 2025 Selena, for instance, has been open about her struggle with lupus, an autoimmune condition that can affect weight. Alex Light, Glamour, 24 Feb. 2025 Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly referred to as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune disease, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Nathan Vinson, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025 Those most at risk for the condition include people older than 40 years of age and those with cancer, heart, lung and inflammatory bowel disease and certain autoimmune conditions such as lupus, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 20 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for lupus

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin, from Latin, wolf

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of lupus was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Lupus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lupus. Accessed 8 Mar. 2025.

Medical Definition

lupus

noun
lu·​pus ˈlü-pəs How to pronounce lupus (audio)
: any of several diseases (as lupus vulgaris or systemic lupus erythematosus) characterized by skin lesions
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!