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
Don MoserExamples of lupus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
She’s been diagnosed with lupus, which can be caused in part by environmental factors.
—Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024
Over the years, the singer has also been outspoken about their experience with endometriosis, lupus, T-cell disorder and infertility.
—Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Aug. 2024
The cause of lupus has long escaped doctors trying to treat the autoimmune disease.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024
Choi and Rao’s study points to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, or AHR, as a controller of the cellular seesaw, and therefore a cause of lupus.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for lupus 
Sammy Roth, Los Angeles Times, 6 Aug. 2024
Over the years, the singer has also been outspoken about their experience with endometriosis, lupus, T-cell disorder and infertility.
—Zoe G. Phillips, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Aug. 2024
The cause of lupus has long escaped doctors trying to treat the autoimmune disease.
—Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 12 July 2024
Choi and Rao’s study points to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor, or AHR, as a controller of the cellular seesaw, and therefore a cause of lupus.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 10 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for lupus
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lupus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near lupus
Cite this Entry
“Lupus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lupus. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
lupus
noun
lu·pus
ˈlü-pəs 
: any of several diseases (as lupus vulgaris or systemic lupus erythematosus) characterized by skin lesions
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share