Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
embolism
noun
/ˈɛm.bə.lɪ.zəm/
Definition
Embolism is a medical condition that occurs when a blood vessel is blocked by a substance that has traveled through the bloodstream.
Examples
- A pulmonary embolism can cause severe breathing difficulties.
- Doctors are trained to quickly identify symptoms of an embolism in patients.
- Fat embolism is often associated with fractures.
Meaning
The term embolism refers specifically to the obstruction of a blood vessel due to an embolus, which can be a blood clot, air bubble, fat globule, or other debris that has moved from its original site.
Synonyms
- Blockage
- Occlusion
- Clot
