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

In an interview with Mark Yarm for The New York Times, following the cancellation of the events, the musician revealed that he’s been living with the common heart rhythm abnormality atrial fibrillation for several years. —Matthew Strauss, Pitchfork, 20 June 2024

Recent studies revealed a complex picture: while some research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can reduce triglycerides and potentially improve heart health, other studies show that high doses of fish oil are associated with a higher risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib). —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 4 June 2024

Atrial fibrillation is the most common kind of heart arrhythmia, or when the heart beats irregularly, according to the CDC. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 1 May 2024

The condition is listed as his primary cause of death, while heart failure and atrial fibrillation are noted as contributing factors. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 Apr. 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