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

Pulmonary embolism and hereditary coagulopathy — an arterial blockage in the lungs and issues with blood clotting either too much or too little — contributed to his death, People said. —Assistant Editor, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2026

According to the document, a pulmonary embolism — when a blood clot travels to the lungs and blocks blood flow — was also a contributing factor. —Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 30 Apr. 2026

During that time, Baylor also suffered a double pulmonary embolism. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 30 Apr. 2026

The Days of Our Lives star died of a myocardial infarction, otherwise known as a heart attack, with his death certificate listing a pulmonary embolism and hereditary coagulopathy, a genetic issue that results in issues with blood clotting, as underlying causes. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

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