fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

a

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

b

: characterized by fibrosis

c

: capable of being separated into fibers

a fibrous mineral

2

: tough, sinewy

fibrous texture

Synonyms of fibrous

• stringy

Examples of fibrous in a Sentence

He had surgery to remove fibrous scar tissue in his knee.

thick, fibrous hair that was not easy to comb

Recent Examples on the Web

One ecological version of that idea holds that grass once helped wild canids clear intestinal worms—the fibrous strands wrap around the worms and carry them out in the droppings. —Niranjana Rajalakshmi, Popular Science, 4 June 2026

These tubes serve as stabilizing cables that allow flexible fibrous trunks to withstand hurricane-force winds. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 4 June 2026

Penn Farm program coordinator Ezra Tischler gathers inedible fibrous and woody materials from plants for the project. —Marcella Baietto, CBS News, 1 June 2026

They are made of a fibrous material that is actually part of the plant’s reproductive system. —Staff Author, Martha Stewart, 29 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French fibreux, from fibre fiber

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fibrous

• fibrous root

Kids Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

2

: tough entry 1 sense 1b, stringy

Medical Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

collagen is a fibrous protein

2

: characterized by fibrosis