Embolo

/ɛmˈboːloʊ/ noun

Definition

A device or substance used to block a blood vessel; a medical device for creating therapeutic embolism.

Etymology

Spanish/Italian form of Greek 'embolos' (wedge). Used in modern medical Spanish and Italian, the word appears in clinical literature across Romance languages.

Kelly Says

Different languages keep the Greek word alive in different forms—Spanish doctors say 'embolo' while English doctors say 'embolus,' but they're treating the same problem with the same ancient concept!

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