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

That blood clot could break loose and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which can be fatal. —Angela Haupt, Time, 4 Aug. 2025

Blockage can also occur in a brain artery (called a brain embolism), or in an artery in the heart (called a coronary embolism or arterial embolism). —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 10 May 2025

The former are generally prescribed for daily long-term use in folks who’ve had a deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, and the latter, for people who’ve had a heart attack or stroke. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 28 July 2025

After opening up about her own health issues (including a pulmonary embolism following the birth of her first daughter and a recent branchial cyst), Williams is encouraging other women to take charge of their own health in her role as Women's Health Advisor for Ritual. —Angelina Liu, People.com, 23 July 2025

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