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

Confined to his home after a pulmonary embolism and two heart attacks, Ibrahim Alfa Jnr. — H.d. Angel, Pitchfork, 16 June 2026

But her death certificate listed a pulmonary embolism as the main cause, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 14 June 2026

In the show, the family patriarch suffers a severe brain hemorrhage/stroke while on a helicopter and seasons later dies in mid-air from a pulmonary embolism. — Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

Ellison suffered a pulmonary embolism inside the family's South Fulton home. — Nakell Williams, CBS News, 30 June 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
• sophism
• statism
• sufism
• thomism
• tourism
• tropism
• abolitionism
• aldosteronism

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