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

• 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

The fibrous skin of the pod is ground and turned into a pasta-like product or a bread flour. —Steven Savage, Forbes.com, 30 May 2025

After removing a stalk, peel away the fibrous layers to reveal the inner white stalk or heart. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 5 June 2025

And, here’s a fun fact: Humans have been growing the flax plant for thousands of years for its seeds, oil, and fibers; your favorite linen shirts are actually made from its fibrous stems. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 29 May 2025

Without dystrophin, muscles in various parts of the body — such as the legs, arms and heart — get replaced with fibrous tissue. —Carolyn Stein, Chicago Tribune, 21 May 2025

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