clot

[klot]

noun

1. a mass or lump.

2. a semisolid mass, as of coagulated blood.

3. a small compact group of individuals.

   a clot of sightseers massed at the entrance.

4. British Informal.,  blockhead, dolt, clod.

verb (used without object)

clotted, clotting 

1. to form into clots; coagulate.

verb (used with object)

clotted, clotting 

1. to cause to clot.

2. to cover with clots.

   Carefully aimed snowballs clotted the house.

3. to cause to become blocked or obscured.

   to clot the book's narrative with too many characters.

clot

/ klɒt /

noun

1. a soft thick lump or mass

   a clot of blood

2. informal,  a stupid person; fool

verb

1. to form or cause to form into a soft thick lump or lumps

clot

1. A soft insoluble mass formed when blood or lymph gels. During blood clotting, white blood cells, red blood cells, platelets, and various clotting factors interact in a cascade of chemical reactions initiated by a wound. When a body tissue is injured, calcium ions and platelets act on prothrombin to produce the enzyme thrombin. Thrombin then catalyzes the conversion of the protein fibrinogen into fibrin, a fibrous protein that holds the clot together. An abnormal clot inside the blood vessels or the heart (a thrombus or an embolus) can obstruct blood flow.

Other Word Forms

• declot verb
• nonclotting adjective
• unclotted adjective
• clottish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of clot¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English clott lump; cognate with Middle Dutch klotte, German Klotz block, log ( klutz )

Word History and Origins

Origin of clot¹

Old English clott, of Germanic origin; compare Middle Dutch klotte block, lump

Example Sentences

There are efforts afoot to standardize protocols for clots, so the chances of landing a proper diagnosis and quick treatment aren’t so hit-or-miss.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He told reporters Tuesday that his struggles with blood clots are hereditary.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Which is why slower-acting substances, mainly anticoagulants - drugs that stop blood forming into clots - are used.

Read more on BBC

Bates started sensing the trend while watching the team from afar, gaining a different perspective during a two-week medical absence in early August to address blood clots in his leg.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Jackson, who signed a $35-million extension in March, practiced Monday for the first time since he was diagnosed with blood clots in his legs in June.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clotting www.thesaurus.com
• clump 
• lump