fibrillation

American  

[fib-ruh-ley-shuhn, fahy-bruh-] / ˌfɪb rəˈleɪ ʃən, ˌfaɪ brə- /

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.

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fibrillation British  

/ 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

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fibrillation Scientific  

/ 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.

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Etymology

Origin of fibrillation

First recorded in 1830–40; fibrillate + -ion

Compare meaning

How does fibrillation compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• fibrillation vs. fasciculation

Example Sentences

The positive result came after Bayer stopped a trial of the same drug to prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation two years ago, because an existing treatment called apixaban performed better.

From MarketWatch

Sales of the company’s cardiac ablation products, a set of treatments for the heart condition atrial fibrillation, were up 71% compared with the same quarter last year.

From Barron's

SGK1 inhibitors are already being evaluated for use in other conditions, including atrial fibrillation.

From Science Daily

Worn for a couple of weeks, the Zio monitor looks for irregular heart rhythms, such as atrial fibrillation—a racing heartbeat that can presage a stroke or heart attack.

From Barron's

Part of the cardio growth story is the Watchman product, a small implant that closes the left atrial appendage of patients with atrial fibrillation, or AF.

From Barron's