migraine

[mahy-greyn, mee-]

noun

1. an extremely severe paroxysmal headache, usually confined to one side of the head and often associated with nausea; hemicrania.

migraine

/ ˈmaɪ-, ˈmiːɡreɪn /

noun

1. a throbbing headache usually affecting only one side of the head and commonly accompanied by nausea and visual disturbances

migraine

1. A severe recurring headache, usually affecting only one side of the head, that is characterized by sharp, throbbing pain and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light, and visual disturbances. Vasodilation in the brain causes inflammation that results in pain, but the exact cause of migraine is unknown.

Other Word Forms

• migrainous adjective
• migrainoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of migraine¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin hēmicrānia hemicrania; megrim

Word History and Origins

Origin of migraine¹

C18: (earlier form, C14 mygrame _megrim ¹ ): from French, from Late Latin hēmicrānia pain in half of the head, from Greek hēmikrania, from _hemi- + kranion _cranium

Example Sentences

I spent an afternoon singing “Born in the U.S.A.” and I got a migraine and I lost my voice.

From Los Angeles Times

It sounds extreme — but Paltrow said she developed the plan to manage migraines and panic attacks, under her doctor’s guidance.

From Salon

But this practical re-housing headache could escalate into a political migraine.

From BBC

She didn't know the new drug she'd been prescribed - which is used to treat epilepsy and migraine - could cause rapid weight loss, nor that it should have been monitored by her GP.

From BBC

I had a huge amount of panic and worry that I wouldn't get the grades I needed to get into university, which resulted in migraines, vomiting and insomnia.

From BBC

Related Words

• headache 
• sick headache