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

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

While giving birth to Elliot, Berg suffered an amniotic fluid embolism, which put her into a coma. —Ariana Quihuiz, Peoplemag, 10 Aug. 2024

Soon after, Williams was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. —Mattie Kahn, Glamour, 30 Sep. 2024

Contributing factors to a pulmonary embolism include medical conditions such as heart disease and COVID-19, long periods of inactivity, smoking and obesity. —Taijuan Moorman, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 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