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.
This could result in a pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening blood clot in the lungs, as well as permanent organ damage or death. — Victoria Forster, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Thiot died Tuesday at his home in Orem, Utah, from a pulmonary embolism, the company told The Hollywood Reporter. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2026 But the lawsuit states that Griego suffered an amniotic fluid embolism (AFE) during the delivery, meaning the fluid surrounding the fetus or fetal cells had entered her bloodstream, which can cause sudden heart-lung collapse and massive bleeding. — Alyssa Goldberg, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 In 2024, she was hospitalized with a saddle embolism, which is a blood clot that is often deadly. — Tony Aiello, CBS News, 17 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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