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. 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

Montgomery notes that the kidneys developed tiny blood clots called fibrin thrombi, but that this may be the result of the patient’s condition.

From Scientific American

He knew about as much as was known about the anatomy of the brain and the symptoms and severities of lesion and thrombus.

From Literature

What if it’s a septic vein thrombus, rare but dangerous because a blood clot in the pelvic vein can travel to the lungs?

From Washington Post

He agrees that the study “challenges the current paradigm” and offers “the best clinical evidence to date” for an important role for the intrinsic pathway in thrombus formation.

From Forbes

An increase in LDH is thought to indicate hemolysis caused by thrombus formation.

From Forbes

Related Words

• clotting
• clump
• lump