▶ USAGE In current usage the word lupus alone is generally understood to signify lupus vulgaris, lupus erythematosus beingnormally referred to in full or by the abbreviation LE
Word origin
C16: via Medieval Latin from Latin: wolf; said to be so called because it rapidlyeats away the affected part
Lupus in British English
(ˈluːpəs)
nounWord forms: Latin genitiveLupi (ˈluːpaɪ)
a constellation in the S hemisphere lying between Centaurus and Ara
Lupus in American English
(ˈlupəs)
noun
a S constellation near the Milky Way between Centaurus and Scorpius
Word origin
L, wolf
lupus in American English
(ˈlupəs)
noun
any of various diseases with skin lesions, esp. systemic lupus erythematosus