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

Long, who was diagnosed with lupus in 2014, says that it’s been challenging to navigate the health care system. —Nathan Vinson, People.com, 23 Feb. 2025

But even in the worst cases of lupus, the decline—though agonizing—is much slower. —Byjennifer Couzin-Frankel, science.org, 14 Nov. 2024

Around 1 in 250 Black women will develop lupus during their lifetime and will experience it more severely. —Essence, 25 Feb. 2025

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

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