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

Inflammatory stress impacts heart rate variability and increases the risk of atrial fibrillation. —Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 30 Jan. 2025

This can in turn spot irregularities that could be an indication of atrial fibrillation. —Andrew Williams, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025

Her condition, atrial fibrillation, occurs with irregular electrical impulses in the atria, according to the United Kingdom's NHS. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 13 Jan. 2025

Herbs and Supplements That Contain Cardiac Glycosides Cardiac glycoside herbs and supplements are used to treat heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation or heart failure. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 6 Jan. 2025

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