migraine

American  

[mahy-greyn, mee-] / ˈmaɪ greɪn, ˈmi- /

noun

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

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migraine British  

/ ˈmaɪ-, ˈmiːɡreɪn /

noun

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

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migraine Scientific  

/ mī′grān′ /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• migrainoid adjective
• migrainous adjective

Etymology

Origin of migraine

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

Compare meaning

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

• headache vs. migraine

Example Sentences

Most of the medications treat common conditions like migraines, obesity, diabetes and asthma.

From MarketWatch

Meanwhile, he has been suffering migraines, seizures and panic attacks.

From Los Angeles Times

But doctors also give it to patients with other types of chronic pain, anxiety, migraines, insomnia, distorted sense of smell and hot flashes in menopause.

From The Wall Street Journal

Most of the medications included so far treat everyday conditions like atopic dermatitis, migraine, obesity and fertility.

From MarketWatch

It doesn’t help that Gwyn’s books are bland and pleasant while a few pages of Richard’s prose are enough to give his agent a migraine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• headache
• sick headache