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thromboembolism

American  
[throm-boh-em-buh-liz-uhm] / ˌθrɒm boʊˈɛm bəˌlɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.
  1. the blockage of a blood vessel by a thrombus carried through the bloodstream from its site of formation.


thromboembolism British  
/ ˌθrɒmbəʊˈɛmbəˌlɪzəm /

noun

  1. pathol the obstruction of a blood vessel by a thrombus that has become detached from its original site

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • thromboembolic adjective

Etymology

Origin of thromboembolism

First recorded in 1905–10; thrombo- + embolism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Earlier research has shown that shingles infections can trigger blood clot formation near the brain and heart, increasing the risk of heart attacks, strokes and venous thromboembolism.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

The leading cause for maternal death in the UK is venous thromboembolism, where a blood clot blocks the flow of blood.

From BBC • Oct. 29, 2025

According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, pregnancy and delivery increase the risk of thromboembolism, or circulating blood clots, including CVT.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 30, 2024

The cause was pulmonary thromboembolism, his brother, Kevin Benjamin, said.

From New York Times • Apr. 7, 2024

Likewise, while the exact causes aren't known, early research suggests people who've had COVID-19 are at "significantly" higher risk of venous thromboembolism.

From Salon • Jul. 31, 2023