embolus

/ˈɛmbələs/

embolus

English Noun
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Definition

An obstruction causing an embolism: a blood clot, air bubble or other matter carried by the bloodstream and causing a blockage or occlusion of a blood vessel.

Etymology

The term was coined in 1848 by Rudolf Virchow From Latin embolus (“piston”), from Ancient Greek ἔμβολος (émbolos, “peg, stopper”).

Example Sentences

  • "Those spiders with a simple bulb insert most of this; those with a complex palp insert only the embolus, which in some species is very long […]"
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