migraine

/ˈmaɪɡɹeɪn/noun

A very painful headache, typically on one side of the head, that can come with sickness and sensitivity to light.

Example sentences

“She had to leave work early because a migraine made it impossible to look at her screen.”
“Bright flashing lights can trigger a migraine in some people.”

From Greek for 'half the skull', since the pain typically strikes one side. Sufferers object to its casual use for any bad headache.

Related words

nauseaAn unpleasant feeling in the stomach that makes you feel you might vomit.asthmaA chronic breathing disorder in which the airways can suddenly tighten, often triggered by allergens, cold air, exercise, or stress.vomitTo bring up the contents of the stomach through the mouth; to throw up.diabetesA long-term disease in which the body cannot properly control the amount of sugar in the blood.cancerAn illness in which cells in part of the body begin to grow and multiply out of control.tumorA lump of tissue that grows abnormally in the body; it can be harmless or cancerous.