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

Although pulmonary embolisms can be life-threatening, prompt treatment greatly improves the chances of survival, making early recognition critical. — Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 19 Sep. 2026

The prosecution had stated that Letby had killed some of the babies by injecting air into their bloodstreams; the argument relied, largely, on a 1989 paper that described the symptoms of air embolisms in newborns. — Rachel Aviv, New Yorker, 18 Sep. 2026

This could result in a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening blood clot in the lungs, as well as permanent organ damage or death. — Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Thiot died Tuesday at his home in Orem, Utah, from a pulmonary embolism, the company told The Hollywood Reporter. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 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