thrombus

[ throm-buhs ]

noun

, Pathology.

, plural throm·bi [throm, -bahy].

1. a fibrinous clot that forms in and obstructs a blood vessel, or that forms in one of the chambers of the heart.

thrombus

/ ˈθrɒmbəs /

noun

1. See embolus
   a clot of coagulated blood that forms within a blood vessel or inside the heart and remains at the site of its formation, often impeding the flow of blood Compare embolus

thrombus

/ thrŏm′bəs /

, Plural thrombi thrŏm′bī′

1. A clot consisting of fibrin, platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells that forms in a blood vessel or in a chamber of the heart and can obstruct blood flow. The rupture of atherosclerotic plaques can cause arterial thrombosis (the formation of thrombi), while tissue injury, decreased movement, oral contraceptives, prosthetic heart valves, and various metabolic disorders increase the risk for venous thrombosis. A thrombus in a coronary artery can cause a heart attack.
2. Compare embolus

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrombus¹

1685–95; < New Latin < Greek thrómbos clot, lump

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrombus¹

C17: from New Latin, from Greek thrombos lump, of obscure origin

Example Sentences

Detachment of a portion of the thrombus, according to Hoare, may result in the lodgment of an embolus in the brain or kidneys.

From Project Gutenberg

In removing the bone overlying the infected thrombus, the gouge and chisel should be used rather than the bone forceps or burr.

From Project Gutenberg

The next step is to incise the sinus freely from above downwards towards the jugular fossa and curette out the thrombus.

From Project Gutenberg

The thrombus is then curetted out and the dissected portion of the jugular vein cut off as high up as possible.

From Project Gutenberg

It is known as a white thrombus or laminated clot, and is often met with in the sac of an aneurysm (Fig. 72).

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• clotting
• clump
• lump