noun
fibrillation
Medical term for rapid, irregular contractions of muscle fibers, especially of the heart. Commonly used in compounds like 心房細動 (atrial fibrillation).
心房細動は不整脈の一種です。
Atrial fibrillation is a type of arrhythmia.
細動が起きると血液がうまく送り出せなくなる。
When fibrillation occurs, blood cannot be pumped effectively.
Compound of 細 (fine, minute) and 動 (movement), referring to fine, rapid muscle contractions. The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the spelling is conventionally associated with the medical meaning.