Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Embolus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💉
Add to dictionary

embolus

[ˈɛmbələs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical term

A blood clot, air bubble, piece of fatty deposit, or other object that has been carried in the bloodstream to lodge in a vessel and cause an embolism.

Synonyms

blockage, blood clot, thrombus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
embolus

Typically used in medical contexts to refer to a mass such as a blood clot, air bubble, or other substance that travels through the bloodstream and can cause an obstruction.

  • The patient suffered from a stroke due to an embolus blocking an artery in the brain.
  • An embolus can lead to serious complications if it reaches vital organs.
blood clot

Commonly used in everyday language to describe a clump of blood that has hardened, often used in medical contexts or when discussing health conditions.

  • The doctor warned that a blood clot could travel to his lungs.
  • Taking long flights can increase the risk of developing blood clots.
blockage

A more general term that can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts to describe any obstruction that prevents normal flow or function.

  • He experienced a blockage in his digestive tract.
  • There is a blockage in the plumbing that needs to be fixed.
thrombus

A medical term for a blood clot that forms in a blood vessel and remains there, often leading to restricted blood flow.

  • The ultrasound revealed a thrombus in the patient's leg.
  • Immediate treatment was required to dissolve the thrombus.

Examples of usage

  • The embolus became stuck in the artery, blocking blood flow.
  • If an embolus travels to the lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism.

Translations

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

Origin of 'embolus'

The word 'embolus' originates from the Greek word 'embolos', meaning 'plug' or 'stopper'. In ancient times, it was used to describe a device for stopping or blocking something. The medical term 'embolus' was first used in the 19th century to refer to a blockage in a blood vessel. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass various types of blockages, such as blood clots, air bubbles, or fatty deposits.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,762, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.