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

Plus, dry eye disease is often linked to autoimmune conditions like lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome. —Angela Haupt, Time, 21 July 2025

Read more: Prevention & Treatment Fitness 13 Sources Martin is the author of seven books and a patient advocate who has written about her experiences with lupus and multiple sclerosis. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 11 June 2025

For example, there’s a point system for diagnosing lupus based on the symptoms described above. —Elizabeth Yuko, Flow Space, 7 July 2025

Medication Side Effects Medications used to treat lupus are a common reason for weight changes. —Stella Bard, Health, 27 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