either of two inflammatory diseases of the connective tissue. Discoid lupus erythematosus is characterized by a scaly rash over the cheeks and bridge of the nose; disseminated or systemic lupus erythematosus affects the joints, lungs, kidneys, or skin
Abbreviation: LE
lupus erythematosus in American English
(ˌɛrəˌθiməˈtoʊsəs; ˌɛrəˌθɛməˈtoʊsəs)
a usually chronic inflammatory disease in which immunological reactions cause abnormalities of blood vessels and connective tissue: the systemic form commonly involves the joints, kidneys, nervous system, and skin, while the discoid form produces a chronic skin disease characterizedby red scaly patches that tend to produce scars