embolism

noun

em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌli-zəm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
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
embolismic adjective

Examples of embolism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Larrea, who had more than 520K followers on Instagram, died on Tuesday due to pulmonary thrombosis, also known as a pulmonary embolism, which caused a blood clot to form in her lung. Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 22 Mar. 2024 Also Has Probiotic Benefits, According To This Longevity Expert By Ana Morales For much of the series, Norma lies in a coma following an embolism. Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 20 Mar. 2024 Beltrán’s legacy continued to flourish until her death in 1996 due to a pulmonary embolism. Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 7 Mar. 2024 After her daughter’s birth via emergency cesarean section, the athlete had a near-death experience involving pulmonary embolism — forcing her to spend the next six weeks in bed. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 28 Nov. 2023 The blood clots can travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Erica Sweeney, Men's Health, 27 July 2023 During an international trip, Bryant's mother suffered a pulmonary embolism, leading to her being placed on life support in Istanbul. Clara McMichael, ABC News, 19 July 2023 Just be sure to use precautions to limit the chances of an air embolism or contracting herpes. Nicole Harris, Parents, 22 Aug. 2023 Additionally, there are higher rates of lymphomas and lung cancers, MACE (cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, and stroke), and thrombosis (pulmonary embolism, venous and arterial thrombosis). Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 15 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'embolism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of embolism was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near embolism

Cite this Entry

“Embolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embolism. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

embolism

noun
em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
1
: the sudden blocking of a blood vessel by an embolus
2

Medical Definition

embolism

noun
em·​bo·​lism ˈem-bə-ˌliz-əm How to pronounce embolism (audio)
1
: the sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by an embolus
2

More from Merriam-Webster on embolism

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