embolus

1 of 2

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

embol-

2 of 2

combining form

variants or emboli- or embolo-

1

: embolus

embolectomy

emboliform

2

: wedge

Embolomeri

Examples of embolus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On Monday, the Eagles and Hurts’ agent, Nicole Lynn, announced that the Super Bowl LIX MVP has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli, meaning a blood clot has traveled to his lungs. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 22 Oct. 2026

The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn said Monday that Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn on Monday said Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. — CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

Bilateral pulmonary emboli, like those Hurts has, mean blood clots are blocking arteries in both lungs. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

Combining form

New Latin embol-, from Medieval Latin (in embolismus intercalation)

First Known Use

Noun

1859, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for embolus

• bolus
• colas
• polis
• solus
• gladiolus
• nucleolus

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