Definitions

1. noun

a mass of material (such as blood clot, gas bubble, or tissue) that is carried through the bloodstream and becomes lodged in a small blood vessel, causing obstruction.

“The embolism in his lung was life-threatening and required immediate surgery.”

2. noun

a small amount of material that is inserted into a plant stem or root to promote rooting or grafting.

“The gardener carefully inserted the embolism into the stem to help the plant grow stronger roots.”

3. noun

an obolus or small coin.

“In ancient Greece, the embolium was used as a form of payment for the ferryman to cross the River Styx.”