fibromyalgia

American  

[fahy-broh-mahy-al-juh] / ˌfaɪ broʊ maɪˈæl dʒə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a syndrome characterized by fatigue and chronic pain in the muscles and in tissues surrounding the joints.

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fibromyalgia British  

/ ˌfaɪbrəʊmaɪˈældʒɪə /

noun

1. a rheumatoid disorder characterized by muscle pain and headaches

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fibromyalgia Scientific  

/ fī′brō-mī-ăl′jə /

1. A syndrome that is characterized by chronic pain in any of various muscles and surrounding soft tissues (such as tendons and ligaments), point tenderness at specific sites in the body, and fatigue. Inflammation is absent, and the cause is unknown.

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Etymology

Origin of fibromyalgia

First recorded in 1980–85; fibro- + myalgia

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Explanation

Fibromyalgia is a kind of medical condition that causes widespread, persistent pain. Symptoms of fibromyalgia include intense tiredness, difficulty sleeping, and muscle pain. The word fibromyalgia is built from Greek and Latin roots: The Latin root fibro- means "fiber" (as in the fibers of one's muscles); the Greek root myo- means "muscle," and the Greek root -algia means "pain." Medical professionals are not sure what causes fibromyalgia, and there is no definitive test to diagnose the condition or a cure for it. It is believed to be a nervous system disorder that affects how pain signals are processed. Treatment focuses on managing the symptoms.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

fibromyalgia

They include migraines, cerebrovascular disease, fibromyalgia, lupus, and other rare autoimmune or genetic conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026

In the United States alone, about 4 million adults have fibromyalgia, according to the U.S.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 20, 2026

The physical challenge of caring for Vicky has left her with chronic pain, rheumatoid arthitis and fibromyalgia.

From BBC ● May 14, 2026

Fatigue, brain fog, headaches, and joint pain can be caused by anemia, sleep disorders, mental illnesses, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, lupus, ALS, fibromyalgia, cancer, and many other conditions.

From Slate ● Dec. 19, 2025

Fender learned to play guitar and write songs as a teenager living paycheck to paycheck with a mom suffering from fibromyalgia.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2025

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