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Embolism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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embolism

[ˈɛmbəˌlɪzəm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical condition

An embolism is a sudden obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot or air bubble.

Synonyms

blockage, occlusion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embolism

Embolism is most often used in a medical context to describe a situation where a blood vessel is blocked by an embolus, which is a traveling mass such as a blood clot or air bubble.

  • The patient suffered from a pulmonary embolism that required immediate medical attention.
  • Doctors were concerned about the possibility of a cerebral embolism.
blockage

Blockage is a more general term and can refer to any type of obstruction in various contexts, not just medical. It can be used to describe anything from a blocked artery to a clogged drain.

  • The blockage in the sewer system caused flooding in the streets.
  • She had a blockage in her artery that needed to be surgically removed.
occlusion

Occlusion is primarily used in a medical or scientific context to describe the state of being closed or obstructed, especially in relation to bodily passages or blood vessels. It can also refer to a dental condition.

  • The occlusion of the coronary artery required emergency surgery.
  • He was diagnosed with an occlusion in his dental arch.

Examples of usage

  • The patient suffered a pulmonary embolism after a long flight.
  • The doctor explained that an embolism had caused the stroke.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A sudden interruption or blockage in a process.

Synonyms

blockage, interruption.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
embolism

Typically used in medical contexts to describe a blockage-causing material (often a blood clot, fat, air, or other substance) that travels through the bloodstream and obstructs a blood vessel.

  • The patient was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism after experiencing sudden shortness of breath.
  • Doctors are concerned about the risk of embolism in patients with irregular heartbeats.
interruption

Used in broader contexts to indicate a temporary halt or disturbance in a process, activity, or flow, not necessarily implying a physical obstruction.

  • The power outage caused a brief interruption in our internet service.
  • Your phone call caused an interruption during my presentation.
blockage

Generally used in both medical and non-medical contexts to describe a physical obstruction preventing flow, such as in arteries, pipes, or pathways. It can have a slightly negative connotation depending on the severity of the situation.

  • There was a blockage in the sewer system that caused flooding in the neighborhood.
  • The sudden blockage in the artery required immediate surgery to remove the obstruction.

Examples of usage

  • The strike acted as an embolism in the negotiations.
  • The technical issue was an embolism in the smooth operation of the system.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'embolism'

The word 'embolism' comes from the Greek word 'embolismos', which means 'insertion' or 'intercalation'. In ancient medicine, an embolism was believed to be the insertion of a foreign substance into a blood vessel. Over time, the term evolved to refer to the obstruction or interruption of blood flow. Today, 'embolism' is commonly used in medical contexts to describe a blockage in a blood vessel, but it can also be used more broadly to describe any sudden interruption or blockage in a process.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,514, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.