What does "embolism" mean?
An obstruction or occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus, that is by a blood clot, air bubble or other matter that has been transported by the blood stream.
Embolism
/ˈɛmbəlɪzəm/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An obstruction or occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus, that is by a blood clot, air bubble or other matter that has been transported by the blood stream.
- Grammar: embolism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: bar, barrier, blank wall, blind alley.
- Useful contrasts: patency, patency of pulmonary vessels, patency of vessels.
- Usage evidence: At least 10% of individuals with pulmonary embolism die within the first hour.
How to use "embolism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "embolism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "embolism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "embolism" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "embolism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "bar" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "embolism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An obstruction or occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus, that is by a blood clot, air bubble or other matter that has been transported by the blood stream.
- 2 occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus (a loose clot or air bubble or other particle) wordnet
- 3 The insertion or intercalation of days into the calendar in order to correct the error arising from the difference between the civil year and the solar year.
"Authorities differ as to the manner in which the Arabs practised embolism: some say, they added a month to every third year; others, that they intercalated seven months in a period of nineteen years ; and others, nine months in twenty-four years."
- 4 an insertion into a calendar wordnet
- 5 An intercalated prayer for deliverance from evil coming after the Lord's Prayer.
Show 1 more definition
- 6 The variable body of a liturgical preface, between the protocol and eschatocol, typically stating the motive for worship on a given day.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"At least 10% of individuals with pulmonary embolism die within the first hour."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "embolism"?
Common synonyms include: bar, barrier, blank wall, blind alley, blind gut, block.
How do you use "embolism" in a sentence?
At least 10% of individuals with pulmonary embolism die within the first hour.
How do you pronounce "embolism"?
Pronounced /ˈɛmbəlɪzəm/.
Etymology
The term was coined in 1848 by Rudolf Virchow. From Old French embolisme (“intercalation of days in a calendar to correct errors”), from Late Latin embolismus, from Ancient Greek ἐμβολισμός (embolismós, “intercalary”), from ἐμβάλλω (embállō, “to insert, throw in”).