embolism

noun

em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
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
embolismic adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Adriana Guel, 35, a mother of three, survived a rare life-threatening complication called an amniotic embolism during one of her deliveries and credited the hospital with saving her life. Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2023 Mensah was on the team but sidelined by a pulmonary embolism. San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 Feb. 2023 Women taking combined estrogens and progestins have a small increase in the risk of heart disease, stroke and pulmonary embolism (blood clot to the lung), but a decreased risk of colon cancer and hip fracture. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 July 2022 Melugin’s desire to be in Los Angeles stems from the sudden death of his father, Gary, a West Coast manager for insurance company AIG, who suffered a pulmonary embolism at age 55. Stephen Battagliostaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 1 Feb. 2023 Johnson's father, professional wrestler Rocky Johnson, died of a pulmonary embolism in 2020 at age 75. Tommy Mcardle, Peoplemag, 6 Feb. 2023 This sudden surge of oxygen in the body can exceed the amount the bloodstream can dissolve, leading to a gas embolism, or a bubble of air getting trapped in the bloodstream. Hannah Hudnall, USA TODAY, 19 Jan. 2023 These include an abnormal heart rhythm, ischemic heart disease, pulmonary embolism, deep vein thrombosis, fatigue, liver disease, muscle pain, diabetes, and cognitive impairment. Tanya Lewis, Scientific American, 22 Nov. 2022 Blood clots can silently trigger serious heart health issues, including pulmonary embolism, strokes and heart attacks, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 18 Nov. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'embolism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embolism was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near embolism

Cite this Entry

“Embolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embolism. Accessed 30 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

embolism

noun
em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
1
: the sudden blocking of a blood vessel by an embolus
2

Medical Definition

embolism

noun
em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
1
: the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus
2

More from Merriam-Webster on embolism

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