systemic lupus erythematosus
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systemic lupus er·y·the·ma·to·sus
(ĕr′ə-thē′mə-tō′sĭs)n. Abbr. SLE
An inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems, usually characterized by fatigue, fever, skin lesions, joint pain and swelling, and anemia, and often affecting the kidneys and various other organs. It is much more common in women than in men.
system′ic lu′pus er•y•the•ma•to′sus
(ˌɛr əˌθi məˈtoʊ səs, -ˌθɛm ə-)n.
an autoimmune inflammatory disease of the connective tissues, chiefly characterized by skin eruptions, joint pain, recurrent pleurisy, and kidney disease.
[1950–55]
systemic lupus erythematosus
(SLE) A systemic (not localized) autoimmune disorder. It particularly affects the joints, skin, lungs, and kidneys.
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| Noun | 1. | systemic lupus erythematosus - an inflammatory disease of connective tissue with variable features including fever and weakness and fatigability and joint pains and skin lesions on the face or neck or arms lupus - any of several forms of ulcerative skin disease |