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
: embolus
embolismic
ˌem-bə-ˈliz-mik How to pronounce embolism (audio)
adjective

Examples of embolism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Vascular experts break down the differences between superficial and deep vein thromboses, the possibly life-threatening complication of pulmonary embolism and what treatment typically looks like. — Erica Sloan, Washington Post, 21 Oct. 2026 The Eagles and agent Nicole Lynn said Monday that Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary embolisms. — CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026 In addition to low blood oxygen levels and low blood pressure, a pulmonary embolism can affect the heart, causing a fast or irregular heart rate, right-sided heart failure or sudden cardiac arrest. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026 Both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are forms of venous thromboembolism, commonly known as blood clots in the veins, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. — David K. Li, NBC news, 19 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for embolism

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

Rhymes for embolism

See All Rhymes for embolism

Browse Nearby Words

embolisation
embolism
embolismic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Embolism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/embolism. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
: embolus

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
: embolus

More from Merriam-Webster on embolism

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about embolism

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