(1) A thrombus is a clot which forms inside of a blood vessel. If that clot moves inside the vessel it is referred to as an embolus (embolism). The presence of atherosclerotic plaque lining blood vessel walls is a significant stimulus for clot formation.

The process by which a blood clot forms is termed coagulation. A blood clot, or thrombus, is stationary within a vessel or the heart. If it moves from that location through the bloodstream, it is referred to as an embolus.

Common Misspellings: blood cots, blod clot, blod cots

(2) thrombus /throm·bus/ (throm´bus) pl. throm´bi a stationary blood clot along the wall of a blood vessel, frequently causing vascular obstruction. Some authorities differentiate thrombus formation from simple coagulation or clot formation.

See also:

Deep Venous Thrombosis

Thrombophlebitis