aeroembolism: Meaning and Definition of

aer•o•em•bo•lism

1. an obstruction of the circulatory system caused by air, as may arise during surgery.
2. Also calledan acute condition caused by a rapid substantial decrease in atmospheric pressure, as in high-altitude flying and coming up from deep-sea diving, characterized by the formation of nitrogen bubbles in the blood, severe pain in the lungs and joints, and neurological impairment.