lupus

noun

lu·​pus ˈlü-pəs How to pronounce lupus (audio)
1
: any of several diseases characterized by skin lesions
especially : systemic lupus erythematosus
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

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The internet’s obsession with her changing appearance and voice started after she was diagnosed with lupus in 2012 and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026 In 2014, the former Disney star entered a mental health facility shortly after she was diagnosed with lupus and later revealed she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. — Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026 The singer has long been open about her health, sharing her experiences with lupus and speaking about her mental health. — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2026 The drug is ⁠designed to treat autoimmune diseases by targeting B ​cells, a type of ​immune ⁠cell that causes disease in conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. — Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 Oct. 2026 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

Phrases Containing lupus

Rhymes for lupus

See All Rhymes for lupus

Browse Nearby Words

lupuline
lupus
lupus erythematosus
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Lupus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lupus. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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