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embolus
noun
em·bo·lus
ˈem-bə-ləs
plural emboli
ˈem-bə-ˌlī
: 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
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
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Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek embolos wedge-shaped object, stopper, from emballein
First Known Use
1859, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near embolus
Cite this Entry
“Embolus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embolus. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
embolus
noun
em·bo·lus
ˈem-bə-ləs
plural emboli
-ˌlī
: an abnormal particle (as an air bubble) circulating in the blood compare thrombus
Medical Definition
embolus
noun
em·bo·lus
ˈem-bə-ləs
plural emboli
-ˌlī
: an abnormal particle (as an air bubble) circulating in the blood compare thrombus
More from Merriam-Webster on embolus
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about embolus
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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