embolism

noun

em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌli-zəm 

plural embolisms

1

: the insertion of one or more days in a calendar : intercalation

2

a

: the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus

b

: embolus

embolismic

ˌem-bə-ˈliz-mik 

adjective

Examples of embolism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Foggy memory: Marisa Christie survived a rare post-birth complication known as amniotic fluid embolism, which caused the Texas mother to forget the birth of her triplets. —Daniel Wine, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024

Christie's ordeal came months after a new mom in Ohio also experienced an amniotic fluid embolism after welcoming a healthy baby boy in February. —Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024

Medical experts also testified that the babies who were harmed either suffered an embolism resulting from being injected with air or were poisoned with insulin. —Liam Quinn, Peoplemag, 14 July 2024

These can help control conditions such as heart attack, stroke, pulmonary embolism, and deep vein thrombosis. —Maxine Lipner, Verywell Health, 19 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English embolisme, from Medieval Latin embolismus, from Greek embol- (from emballein to insert, intercalate) — more at emblem

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

embolism

noun

em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm 

1

: the sudden blocking of a blood vessel by an embolus

2

: embolus

Medical Definition

embolism

noun

em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm 

1

: the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus

2

: embolus