embolism

/ˌɛmbəˈlɪzəm/

/ˈɛmbəlɪzəm/

Other forms: embolisms

Definitions of embolism

1. noun

   occlusion of a blood vessel by an embolus (a loose clot or air bubble or other particle)
   types:

   aeroembolism, air embolism, gas embolism

   obstruction of the circulatory system caused by an air bubble as, e.g., accidentally during surgery or hypodermic injection or as a complication from scuba diving

   fat embolism

   serious condition in which fat blocks an artery; fat can enter the blood stream after a long bone is fractured or if adipose tissue is injured or as a result of a fatty liver

   pulmonary embolism

   blockage of the pulmonary artery by foreign matter or by a blood clot

   type of:

   occlusion

   closure or blockage (as of a blood vessel)
2. noun

   an insertion into a calendar
   synonyms: intercalation

   type of:

   interval, time interval

   a definite length of time marked off by two instants