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

Her immediate cause of death is listed as a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause. —Jason Pham, StyleCaster, 15 Mar. 2026

O’Hara died in late January, at the age of 71, from a pulmonary embolism as a result of rectal cancer. —Senior Television, Los Angeles Times, 2 Mar. 2026

O'Hara died in January from a pulmonary embolism, with rectal cancer as the underlying cause, according to a death certificate obtained by Fox News Digital. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 2 Mar. 2026

The actress, who died Jan. 30 from a pulmonary embolism at 71, received a posthumous Actor Award, for Female Actor in a Comedy Series, for her role in the Apple TV show, accepted by costar and series creator Seth Rogen. —Taijuan Moorman, USA Today, 2 Mar. 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