lu·pus 
(lpəs)
(lpəs)n.
1. See systemic lupus erythematosus.
2. Any of several other forms of lupus erythematosus.
[Medieval Latin, ulcerative skin disease, from Latin, wolf (the scarring caused by such diseases being likened to the marks left by wolf bites; see wkwo- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]