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

Cancer cells release chemicals that cause inflammation, and inflammation is a common cause of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 10 Feb. 2026

Catherine O’Hara’s cause of death revealed New documents show the beloved actor died from a pulmonary embolism, with cancer as the underlying cause. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026

Catherine O'Hara died from a pulmonary embolism, but her death certificate also revealed she was diagnosed with rectal cancer. —Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 10 Feb. 2026

Rali emphasized that anyone can experience a pulmonary embolism. —Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 10 Feb. 2026

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

Rhymes for embolism

• autism
• fascism
• racism
• sikhism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism

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