Embolus

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈɛm.bə.ləs/

Definitions

• A blood clot, air bubble, fat droplet, or other substance that travels through the bloodstream and can cause a blockage.
• In arachnology, a specialized structure in male spiders used for sperm transfer.

Usage Examples

• "The patient suffered a stroke due to an embolus obstructing a major artery."
• "The embolus of the male spider plays a critical role in reproduction."

Etymology

Derived from the Greek word embolos, meaning ‘plug’ or ‘stopper.’ It was later adopted into Latin as embolus and used in medical terminology.

Synonyms

Thrombus (if blood clot-related), Blockage, Clot, Obstruction

Antonyms

Circulation, Flow, Patency

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronounced with slight variations depending on accent, such as the emphasis on different syllables in American and British English.

Historical Usage

First documented in medical literature in the 19th century, embolus has been extensively studied in relation to cardiovascular diseases.

Cultural Nuances

In medicine, the term carries significant weight as it is associated with life-threatening conditions, requiring urgent intervention.

More Information

Embolism, the condition caused by an embolus, is a major medical concern worldwide, prompting advancements in prevention and treatment strategies.