headache

[ hed-eyk ]

noun

1. a pain located in the head, as over the eyes, at the temples, or at the base of the skull.
2. an annoying or bothersome person, situation, activity, etc.

headache

/ ˈhɛdˌeɪk /

noun

1. pain in the head, caused by dilation of cerebral arteries, muscle contraction, insufficient oxygen in the cerebral blood, reaction to drugs, etc Technical namecephalalgia
2. informal.
   any cause of worry, difficulty, or annoyance

headache

/ hĕd′āk′ /

1. Pain in the head, caused by stimulation of or pressure to any of various structures of the head, such as tissue covering the cranium, cranial nerves, or blood vessels. Headache can be a primary disorder, as in migraine or cluster headaches , or a common symptom associated with head injury or many illnesses such as acute infection, brain tumor or abscess, eye disorders such as glaucoma, dental disease, and hypertension.
2. See also cluster headache

Word History and Origins

Origin of headache¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English hēafodece. See head, ache

Example Sentences

Stress can cause muscle tension, headaches, sleep problems and loss of appetite.

From Los Angeles Times

The most common problems include chronic headaches, difficulty swallowing and decreased muscle strength, as well as syringomyelia, a condition that occurs when a cyst forms in the spinal cord.

From Science Daily

The disaster spewed about 100,000 tons of methane and other chemicals into the air, forcing more than 8,000 families to flee their homes, with many reporting headaches, nosebleeds and nausea.

From Los Angeles Times

That has created a headache for borrowers hoping costs were on a consistent downward trend, especially in light of the Bank of England cutting the benchmark interest rate earlier this month.

From BBC

This can cause a major headache down the line.

From Salon

Related Words

• dilemma
• hassle
• inconvenience
• trouble
• worry