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

Jocelyn Wildenstein was in some serious legal hot water before her death of a pulmonary embolism on Dec. 31 in Paris at age 84. —Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Jan. 2025

This fat can travel to the lungs and cause blockage, or a fat embolism, preventing the body from getting oxygen.10 Compartment syndrome: This condition develops when pressure builds up to dangerous levels within the muscles. —Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 25 Dec. 2024

The outlet also reported that Murphey had a history of pulmonary embolism, which occurs when a blood clot in one or both lungs creates a blockage. —Benedict Cosgrove, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024

Foggy memory: Marisa Christie survived a rare post-birth complication known as amniotic fluid embolism, which caused the Texas mother to forget the birth of her triplets. —Daniel Wine, CNN, 5 Dec. 2024

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

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