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

Charlie now suffered from migraines, and was consumed with what might happen next.

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"I've also seen a pharmacist for a medicine review for migraines, and I've had a blood test done there too. In the past we would have had to go to hospital or elsewhere for these."

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When she contracted Asian flu, the virus paralyzed her with “a vise cluster of migraines.”

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Zimnoch, who has a high-risk pregnancy because of her age and Type 2 diabetes, has followed her doctor’s advice closely throughout her pregnancy, including using Tylenol to manage migraines.

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

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Related Words

• headache 
• sick headache