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

The team combined the natural polymer hydroxyethyl cellulose with a fibrous material called leafy cotton thread within the hydrogel matrix. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 28 Jan. 2026

Ripping off every piece of the flesh, the fibrous pit like a heart in her hand. —Literary Hub, 21 Jan. 2026

The fibrous hull of shell-on pumpkin seeds can be harder to digest in large amounts. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 19 Jan. 2026

New tech to reduce environmental impact Cows are able to digest tough, fibrous plant material that humans, pigs and chickens can’t. —Sara Place, The Conversation, 16 Jan. 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