embolus

[ em-buh-luhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

, plural em·bo·li [em, -b, uh, -lahy].

1. undissolved material carried by the blood and impacted in some part of the vascular system, as thrombi or fragments of thrombi, tissue fragments, clumps of bacteria, protozoan parasites, fat globules, or gas bubbles.

embolus

/ ˈɛmbələs /

noun

1. material, such as part of a blood clot or an air bubble, that is transported by the blood stream until it becomes lodged within a small vessel and impedes the circulation Compare thrombus

Word History and Origins

Origin of embolus¹

1660–70; < Latin: piston < Greek émbolos stopper, equivalent to em- em- ² + bólos a throw, akin to bállein to throw

Word History and Origins

Origin of embolus¹

C17: via Latin from Greek embolos stopper, from emballein to insert, from ballein to throw; see emblem

Example Sentences

As a matter of fact, Batsch under Embolus crocatus first presents an unmistakable description and figure.

From Project Gutenberg

An embolus occupied the pulmonary artery, resembling a blood-clot found in the left common and internal iliac veins.

From Project Gutenberg

At the post-mortem examination the left and right branches of the pulmonary artery contained an embolus.

From Project Gutenberg

One month later he was seized with urgent dyspnœa and signs clearly indicating the lodgment of an embolus in the pulmonary artery.

From Project Gutenberg

Detachment of a portion of the thrombus, according to Hoare, may result in the lodgment of an embolus in the brain or kidneys.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• barricade
• closure
• encirclement
• restriction
• roadblock
• siege
• stoppage