fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs How to pronounce fibrous (audio)
Synonyms of fibrousnext
1
a
: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers
b
: characterized by fibrosis
c
: capable of being separated into fibers
a fibrous mineral
2
: tough, sinewy
fibrous texture

Synonyms of fibrous

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Examples of fibrous in a Sentence

He had surgery to remove fibrous scar tissue in his knee. thick, fibrous hair that was not easy to comb
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.
An annular tear is a small crack in the outer fibrous ring of a spinal disc. — Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026 Measles can cause a baby’s spleen to enlarge and the fibrous tissue around the organ to thin. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 1 Sep. 2026 According to Morris, corn has a fibrous outer layer that our bodies don’t fully break down, and cooking softens that structure while also making its starch more accessible to our digestive enzymes. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 26 Aug. 2026 The fibrous nature of rope belts lends a relaxed, earthy feel to even the simplest of outfits. — Kevin Huynh, InStyle, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for fibrous

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French fibreux, from fibre fiber

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of fibrous was in 1597

Phrases Containing fibrous

Browse Nearby Words

Fibrospongiae
fibrous
fibrous glass
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fibrous.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fibrous. Accessed 6 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

fibrous

adjective
fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs How to pronounce fibrous (audio)
1
: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers
2
: tough entry 1 sense 1b, stringy

Medical Definition

fibrous

adjective
fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs How to pronounce fibrous (audio)
1
: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers
collagen is a fibrous protein
2
: characterized by fibrosis
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