noun
embolism
EHM-buh-lih-zuhm
noun
1
A blockage in a blood vessel caused by a clot, air bubble, or other matter carried through the bloodstream.
"A pulmonary embolism can be life-threatening if not treated quickly."
"Long flights slightly raise the risk of an embolism in the legs."
How to Use Embolism
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA dangerous blockage in a blood vessel caused by a clot or bubble travelling through the blood.
Common pairings
pulmonary embolism
risk of embolism
suffer an embolism
Word Forms
embolisms plural
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A pulmonary _____ can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
Etymology
Coined in the medical sense in 1848 by physician Rudolf Virchow, from Greek embolismos, "something inserted" — the same root behind the calendar term for inserted days.