fibromyalgia

noun

fi·​bro·​my·​al·​gia ˌfī-ˌbrō-ˌmī-ˈal-j(ē)ə 

: a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances

fibromyalgic

ˌfī-ˌbrō-ˌmī-ˈal-jik 

adjective

fibromyalgic pain

fibromyalgic patients

fibromyalgic noun

plural fibromyalgics

Most fibromyalgics are women who have gradual onset of symptoms between the ages of 20 and 45.

—Landis Lum

Examples of fibromyalgia in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Growing awareness of conditions like fibromyalgia and rising concerns about sustainability have driven demand for bedding made from bamboo and other organic products. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

In 2016, California state officials sued MyPillow over its deceptive marketing practices, such as claiming that its products could treat insomnia, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, and multiple sclerosis. —William Gavin, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2024

She’s also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia — or long-lasting, pervasive pain throughout the body — and ovarian remnant syndrome. —Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024

Common contributors include arthritis, nerve damage, fibromyalgia, cancer and obesity. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024

Margalit Moses, 78 Margalit Moses is a cancer survivor with diabetes and fibromyalgia. —Natalie Kainz, NBC News, 24 Nov. 2023

These potential interventions for menopause, fibromyalgia, and dementia are all well and good, but is psilocybin even legal? —Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 13 July 2023

Sick for weeks, she was left with fibromyalgia and other chronic ailments. —Nina Burleigh, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Jan. 2024

This view of viral illnesses and their potential long-term impacts may lead to research that will also help people with other little understood conditions, such as chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia, which experts believe might be triggered by viral infections, Al-Aly said. —Linda Carroll, NBC News, 14 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1980, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fibromyalgia

noun

fi·​bro·​my·​al·​gia ˌfī-(ˌ)brō-ˌmī-ˈal-j(ē-)ə 

: a chronic disorder characterized by widespread pain, tenderness, and stiffness of muscles and associated connective tissue structures that is typically accompanied by fatigue, headache, and sleep disturbances

called also fibromyalgia syndrome, fibromyositis

fibromyalgic

ˌfī-(ˌ)brō-ˌmī-ˈal-jik 

adjective or noun