Embolism
noun
A blockage in an artery, usually due to a blood clot or other substance like air bubbles or fat droplets.
The man had a stroke because of an embolism in one of the blood vessels in his brain.

Often appears as...
- pulmonary embolism
- arterial embolism
Usage tips
Technical
noun
An addition to the calendar to make it match the solar year, such as the extra day in February in a leap year.
The embolism is included in the church calendar to maintain its alignment with the solar year.

Often appears as...
- calendar embolism
- intercalary embolism
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A blockage in an artery, usually due to a blood clot or other substance like air bubbles or fat droplets.
The man had a stroke because of an embolism in one of the blood vessels in his brain.

Often appears as...
- pulmonary embolism
- arterial embolism
Usage tips
Technical
noun
An addition to the calendar to make it match the solar year, such as the extra day in February in a leap year.
The embolism is included in the church calendar to maintain its alignment with the solar year.

Often appears as...
- calendar embolism
- intercalary embolism
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2

Medical Emergency
Used to describe a serious medical condition requiring urgent care.

A sudden embolism required immediate surgery to save the patient's life.
Technical Term
Often found in medical discussions; not usually in casual conversation.

During the conference, doctors focused on the latest treatments for embolism.
Context-Specific
Clarify the type of embolism when possible, such as 'pulmonary embolism'.

The radiologist diagnosed a pulmonary embolism from the CT scan results.
Medical Emergency
Used to describe a serious medical condition requiring urgent care.

A sudden embolism required immediate surgery to save the patient's life.
Technical Term
Often found in medical discussions; not usually in casual conversation.

During the conference, doctors focused on the latest treatments for embolism.
Context-Specific
Clarify the type of embolism when possible, such as 'pulmonary embolism'.

The radiologist diagnosed a pulmonary embolism from the CT scan results.
Medical Emergency
Used to describe a serious medical condition requiring urgent care.

A sudden embolism required immediate surgery to save the patient's life.
Technical Term
Often found in medical discussions; not usually in casual conversation.

During the conference, doctors focused on the latest treatments for embolism.
Context-Specific
Clarify the type of embolism when possible, such as 'pulmonary embolism'.

The radiologist diagnosed a pulmonary embolism from the CT scan results.
Video examples
What happens during a...
This is called an embolism and it cuts off the oxygen supply to all the cells downstream. The brain doesn't have pain receptors, so you can't feel the blockage itself. But oxygen deprivation slows brain function and can have sudden, noticeable effects.
Video examples
What happens during a...
This is called an embolism and it cuts off the oxygen supply to all the cells downstream. The brain doesn't have pain receptors, so you can't feel the blockage itself. But oxygen deprivation slows brain function and can have sudden, noticeable effects.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Paul Merton
British Comedian
In 1987, I was in Edinburgh doing my first one-man show. I took part in a kickabout with some fellow comedians and tripped over my trousers and heard this cracking sound in my leg. A couple of days later I went into a coma and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

Quote examples
Ali Krieger
American Athlete
In 2005, I would have never guessed that I was at risk for a pulmonary embolism. I was 21 years-old, playing college soccer and just living the dream.

Quote examples
Serena Williams
American Tennis Player
Having a pulmonary embolism is definitely easier than heart break.

Quote examples
Paul Merton
British Comedian
In 1987, I was in Edinburgh doing my first one-man show. I took part in a kickabout with some fellow comedians and tripped over my trousers and heard this cracking sound in my leg. A couple of days later I went into a coma and was diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism.

Quote examples
Ali Krieger
American Athlete
In 2005, I would have never guessed that I was at risk for a pulmonary embolism. I was 21 years-old, playing college soccer and just living the dream.

Quote examples
Serena Williams
American Tennis Player
Having a pulmonary embolism is definitely easier than heart break.

Example 1 of 3
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