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

Compared to atrial fibrillation, VT packs a much bigger cardiac punch. —Lori Oliwenstein, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024

Nighttime light pollution had a stronger correlation to Alzheimer's disease risk than alcohol abuse, chronic kidney disease, depression, heart failure and obesity, the study showed, but less of a link to the conditions of atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and stroke. —Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes, 6 Sep. 2024

Ventricular fibrillation: The most serious abnormal heart rhythm that can lead to sudden cardiac death. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 5 Sep. 2024

Other important medications used include digoxin and anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) in those with atrial fibrillation who are at high risk of stroke. —Mary Choy, Verywell Health, 5 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