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

The album is meant to help document Halsey's health problems, as the singer has been open about her battles with both lupus and a lymphoproliferative disorder. —Justin Klawans, The Week Us, theweek, 17 Sep. 2024

In 2013, Gomez was diagnosed with lupus and later received a kidney transplant. —Brittany Spanos, Rolling Stone, 9 Sep. 2024

Halsey, 29, was diagnosed and treated for both lupus and a rare white blood cell disorder, according to a series of recent Instagram posts. —Julia Landwehr, Health, 13 June 2024

The unpredictable nature of lupus can often leave people feeling uneasy. —Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 6 Sep. 2024

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

Medical Definition

lupus

noun

lu·​pus ˈlü-pəs 

: any of several diseases (as lupus vulgaris or systemic lupus erythematosus) characterized by skin lesions