embolus

noun

em·​bo·​lus ˈem-bə-ləs How to pronounce embolus (audio)
plural emboli ˈem-bə-ˌlī How to pronounce embolus (audio)
: an abnormal particle (such as an air bubble) circulating in the blood compare thrombus

Examples of embolus 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.
In blocking a pulmonary artery, a pulmonary embolus prevents blood flow to the portion of the lung supplied by that artery, which is clearly not good. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024 The optometrist can diagnose a cholesterol embolus by sight -- that’s what a Hollenhorst plaque is. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 July 2023 Recent scans revealed significant disease progression including fibrosis in the lungs as well as several emboli. Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 26 Sep. 2023 It was stated that this embolus could possibly dislodge, travel to my brain and cause a stroke. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 17 July 2023 When a blood vessel is blocked by an embolus, it’s called an embolism, according to Johns Hopkins. Daryl Perry, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2022 An autopsy indicated that the cause of her recent death was cardiopulmonary arrest due a large pulmonary embolus or, in layman's terms, a blood clot. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 13 Apr. 2012 The blood clot itself that forms in one part of the body, breaks off and then travels elsewhere is called an embolus. Daryl Perry, USA TODAY, 29 Sep. 2022 The surgeon removed the cement embolus and repaired the man’s right atrium. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek embolos wedge-shaped object, stopper, from emballein

First Known Use

1859, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of embolus was in 1859

Dictionary Entries Near embolus

Cite this Entry

“Embolus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embolus. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

embolus

noun
em·​bo·​lus ˈem-bə-ləs How to pronounce embolus (audio)
plural emboli -ˌlī How to pronounce embolus (audio)
: an abnormal particle (as an air bubble) circulating in the blood compare thrombus

Medical Definition

embolus

noun
em·​bo·​lus ˈem-bə-ləs How to pronounce embolus (audio)
plural emboli -ˌlī How to pronounce embolus (audio)
: an abnormal particle (as an air bubble) circulating in the blood compare thrombus

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