Definition

A mass that moves through the blood and can block a blood vessel, such as a blood clot or an air bubble.

Example

The doctor explained that an embolus could cause serious health issues if it blocks a blood vessel.

Conversation

I read an article about how an embolus can cause serious health issues.

Wow, that sounds intense! What exactly is an embolus?

It's basically a blockage in the blood vessels caused by something like a blood clot.

That’s pretty scary — I had no idea something like that could happen.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Embolus → It is formed from "em-" (meaning in or within) and "ballein" (Greek for to throw). The word "embolus" refers to something that is thrown in or within a vessel, particularly in a medical context where it describes a blockage in a blood vessel.

Memory Tip

Think of something being 'thrown in' ('em-') to a vessel, which helps you remember that an embolus is a blockage within a blood vessel.

Visually Confused Words