migraine

[mahy-greyn, mee-]

noun

1. an extremely severe paroxysmal headache, usually confined to one side of the head and often associated with nausea; hemicrania.

migraine

/ ˈmaɪ-, ˈmiːɡreɪn /

noun

1. a throbbing headache usually affecting only one side of the head and commonly accompanied by nausea and visual disturbances

migraine

1. A severe recurring headache, usually affecting only one side of the head, that is characterized by sharp, throbbing pain and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances. Vasodilation in the brain causes inflammation that results in pain, but the exact cause of migraine is unknown.

Other Word Forms

• migrainoid adjective
• migrainous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of migraine¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin hēmicrānia hemicrania; megrim

Word History and Origins

Origin of migraine¹

C18: (earlier form, C14 mygrame _megrim ¹ ): from French, from Late Latin hēmicrānia pain in half of the head, from Greek hēmikrania, from _hemi- + kranion _cranium

Example Sentences

In addition to the migraines, Chesson developed heart arrhythmias and severe sensitivity to lights, sound and everyday chemicals that have kept her largely housebound.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

But there are days — like Tuesday — when she wakes up with a migraine that makes her “want to never wake up.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

I spent an afternoon singing “Born in the U.S.A.” and I got a migraine and I lost my voice.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It sounds extreme — but Paltrow said she developed the plan to manage migraines and panic attacks, under her doctor’s guidance.

Read more on Salon

But this practical re-housing headache could escalate into a political migraine.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• headache 
• sick headache