fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

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

• stringy

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

Asbestos is a group of fibrous substances that are both fire resistant and carcinogenic. — Rebecca Smullin Dawson, The Conversation, 25 Sep. 2026

This will make for a smooth, velvety soup without any fibrous bits. — Martha Stewart, 20 Sep. 2026

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

Word History

Etymology

modification of Middle French fibreux, from fibre fiber

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing fibrous

• fibrous root

Kids Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

2

: tough entry 1 sense 1b, stringy

Medical Definition

fibrous

adjective

fi·​brous ˈfī-brəs 

1

: containing, consisting of, or resembling fibers

collagen is a fibrous protein

2

: characterized by fibrosis