fibrillation

noun

fi·​bril·​la·​tion ˌfi-brə-ˈlā-shən  ˌfī- 

1

: an act or process of forming fibers or fibrils

2

a

: a muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination

b

: very rapid irregular contractions of the muscle fibers of the heart resulting in a lack of synchronism between heartbeat and pulse

Examples of fibrillation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Fibers need to be treated to prevent fibrillation, or pilling caused by friction during wet processing both at industrial laundries and during household washes. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 5 Dec. 2024

Blood clots can be especially problematic for people with certain heart conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart valve replacement, a congenital heart defect, or specific heart or blood vessel diseases.1 Blood thinners may work as either anticoagulants or antiplatelets. —Brittany Lubeck, Ms, Rdn, Verywell Health, 26 July 2024

Related article Diet drinks may boost risk of dangerous heart condition by 20%, study says The rate of atrial fibrillation in the US is growing — estimates suggest up to 16 million people will have A-fib by 2050. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 10 Oct. 2024

In response to the downstream concerns about the prevention and control of lyocell fibrillation—the fiber separation in yarn that can occur when textiles are wet and abraded, which can cause pilling—Sateri provides three cross-linking solutions that are formaldehyde-free and easy to operate. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1845, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

fibrillation

noun

fi·​bril·​la·​tion ˌfib-rə-ˈlā-shən  ˌfīb- 

1

: an act or process of forming fibers or fibrils

2

a

: a muscular twitching involving individual muscle fibers acting without coordination

b

: very rapid irregular contractions of the muscle fibers of the heart resulting in a lack of synchronism between heartbeat and pulse see atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation