# lupus

/ˈɫupəs/ (US) · /lˈuːpəs/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/lupus
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a serious medical condition where your body's defense system attacks your own healthy skin, joints, and organs. It often causes a red rash on the face and makes you feel very tired.

For teachers: a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues and organs. Characterised by systemic inflammation and often presenting with a distinctive butterfly-shaped facial rash.

## Examples

- She was diagnosed with lupus after experiencing joint pain and fatigue.
- Because lupus symptoms often mimic other illnesses, it can take doctors a long time to reach a definitive diagnosis.
- The patient's systemic lupus erythematosus required a complex treatment plan involving immunosuppressants to prevent the body from further damaging its own renal and cardiovascular systems.

## Usage notes

- Often used in the full medical form 'systemic lupus erythematosus' in clinical contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.