fibrillation

[ fib-ruh-ley-shuhn, fahy-bruh- ]

noun

1. the formation of fibrils, or fine fibers or filaments.
2. Pathology. uncontrolled twitching or quivering of muscle fibers, such as those of the heart. atrial fibrillation ( def ), ventricular fibrillation ( def ).

fibrillation

/ ˌfaɪbrɪˈleɪʃən; ˌfɪb- /

noun

1. a local and uncontrollable twitching of muscle fibres, esp of the heart, not affecting the entire muscle. Atrial fibrillation results in rapid and irregular heart and pulse rate. In ventricular fibrillation , the heart stops beating
2. irregular twitchings of the muscular wall of the heart, often interfering with the normal rhythmic contractions

fibrillation

/ fĭb′rə-lā′shən /

1. A rapid twitching of muscle fibers, as of the heart, that is caused by the abnormal discharge of electrical nerve impulses. Ventricular fibrillation is life-threatening.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fibrillation¹

First recorded in 1830–40; fibrillate + -ion

Example Sentences

The cause was atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat, said her daughter Lydia Sullivan.

From Washington Post

The rhythm on the monitor was ventricular fibrillation, random electrical oscillations.

From The Daily Beast

Cue atrial fibrillation on my part; I'd already arranged to break my lease, and also, I'd gotten rather fond of him.

From The Daily Beast

The myokymia of Kny and Schultze is characterised by fibrillation, pain, hyperidrosis, and changes in electrical excitability.

From Project Gutenberg

This fibrillation of mucus is regarded as the result of a coagulation of its mucin, previously held in solution by an alkali.

From Project Gutenberg

Even in periods of repose there is a certain amount of fibrillation on that side.

From Project Gutenberg

If that is true, then auricular fibrillation may last for many years.

From Project Gutenberg

The common type of lesion is a dry arthritis with fibrillation and eburnation of the articular surfaces.

From Project Gutenberg