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 an umbrella term for a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals found in rock and soil. —Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 28 May 2026

Doing so not only draws out excess moisture from the strawberries but also gets a head start on breaking down the fibrous rhubarb. —The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026

The material, known as SAM, combines protein sequences derived from mussels, spider silk and amyloids, proteins capable of forming strong fibrous structures. —Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 May 2026

Avocado peels are very fibrous and take a long time to break down in compost. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 10 May 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