fibrillate

verb

fi·​bril·​late ˈfi-brə-ˌlāt How to pronounce fibrillate (audio) ˈfī- How to pronounce fibrillate (audio)
fibrillated; fibrillating

intransitive verb

: to undergo or exhibit fibrillation

transitive verb

: to cause to undergo fibrillation

Examples of fibrillate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Extreme temperature changes will cause the hearts of rabbits, but not those of alligators, to fibrillate. Rafil Kroll-Zaidi, Harper's Magazine, 27 Apr. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1847, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of fibrillate was circa 1847

Dictionary Entries Near fibrillate

Cite this Entry

“Fibrillate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fibrillate. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

fibrillate

verb
fi·​bril·​late ˈfib-rə-ˌlāt How to pronounce fibrillate (audio) ˈfīb- How to pronounce fibrillate (audio)
fibrillated; fibrillating

intransitive verb

: to undergo or exhibit fibrillation

transitive verb

: to cause (as the heart) to undergo fibrillation

More from Merriam-Webster on fibrillate

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