fibril

noun

fi·​bril ˈfī-brəl How to pronounce fibril (audio) ˈfi- How to pronounce fibril (audio)
: a small filament or fiber: such as
a
b(1)
: one of the fine threads into which a striated muscle fiber can be longitudinally split
(2)
fibrillar adjective

Examples of fibril in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Alzheimer’s has long been linked to harmful tau protein fibrils that build up in the brain and interfere with cognitive function, but researchers have now discovered soft, small clusters that appear first. Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 18 Nov. 2025 Cryo-electron microscopy has now uncovered fibrils of an unexpected protein. Big Think, 24 June 2024 This diagram shows how gold ions adhere to a sponge of protein fibrils, in order to separate the gold from other elements. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Mar. 2024 Five of these helices wind together to make up a microfibril, and thousands of microfibrils gather to form a fibril. Ed Yong, Discover Magazine, 15 June 2011

Word History

Etymology

New Latin fibrilla, diminutive of Latin fibra

First Known Use

1664, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fibril was in 1664

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Fibril.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fibril. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

fibril

noun
fi·​bril ˈfīb-rəl How to pronounce fibril (audio) ˈfib- How to pronounce fibril (audio)
: a small filament or fiber: as
a
: one of the fine threads into which a striated muscle fiber can be longitudinally split
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