Pathologic Function
air embolism
[ air em-buh-liz-uhm ]
Subclass of:
Embolism
Definitions related to air embolism:
  • An obstruction of a blood vessel due to the introduction of air.
    NICHD Pediatric Terminology
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • Embolism due to air bubbles entering the blood vessels after trauma, surgical procedures, or changes in atmospheric pressure.
    CRISP Thesaurus
    National Institutes of Health, 2006
  • The presence of bubbles of air in the vascular system; occurrence is related to the entry of air into the venous circulation following trauma or surgery.
    NCI
    U.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
  • (embolism, air) Blocking of a blood vessel by air bubbles that enter the circulatory system, usually after TRAUMA; surgical procedures, or changes in atmospheric pressure.
    NLM Medical Subject Headings
    U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025
  • Air embolism, blockage of an artery or vein by an air bubble. Air can be introduced into the blood vessels during surgery or traumatic accidents. One type of traumatic embolization occurs when lung tissue is ruptured; bubbles of air pass from the alveoli (air sacs) of the lungs into nearby c...
    Encyclopedia Britannica
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2025
Try this search on: Farlex, Merriam-Webster, Oxford Dictionary, or Wordnik

This content should not be used in place of medically-reviewed decision support reference material or professional medical advice. Some terms may have alternate or updated definitions not reflected in this set. The definitions on this page should not be considered complete or up to date.