Pronunciation: [klˈɒt] (IPA) 
The word "clot" is spelled as /klɑt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first two letters "cl" are pronounced as /kl/, which is a consonant cluster made of a voiceless velar stop and a lateral approximant. The vowel sound in the middle is /ɑ/, which is an open back unrounded vowel. Lastly, the final letter "t" is pronounced as /t/, which is an unvoiced alveolar stop. This word is used to describe a gel-like mass formed by blood coagulation.
A clot is a congealed or coagulated mass of blood or other fluid substances that typically forms within a blood vessel or body cavity. It is composed of platelets, red blood cells, and fibrin, a protein involved in the clotting process. When an injury occurs and blood vessels are damaged, the body initiates a series of clotting reactions to stop bleeding and protect itself from further harm.
In the context of blood vessels, a clot may obstruct the flow of blood, potentially leading to various medical conditions. For instance, a blood clot within a coronary artery can result in a heart attack, while a clot in the deep veins of the legs may cause deep vein thrombosis. These conditions are potentially life-threatening if the clot dislodges and travels to vital organs, leading to blockages known as embolisms.
Beyond medical use, the term "clot" can also be employed metaphorically to describe a person or situation that is obstructive, hindered, or stagnant. It implies a figurative or metaphorical clogging or blockage of progress, growth, or development. In this sense, a clot can refer to an individual who is unresponsive, slow, or lacking initiative. Conversely, it can describe an unfavorable circumstance impeding the smooth flow of events, inhibiting desired outcomes, or causing inconvenience and delay.
1. To coagulate. 2. A coagulum, a thrombus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Fluid matter thickened or coagulated into a lump or lumps-clod is applied to earth.
• To turn into masses or lumps; to coagulate or thicken, as milk or blood.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "clot" originated from the Old English word "clott" or "clot" which meant a lump or mass, particularly referring to a thickened or coagulated substance. The etymology can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic root word "klutaz" which had a similar meaning of lump or mass. The word further found its roots in the Old Norse word "klotti" and the Old High German word "kluz" with the same interpretation. Over time, the term "clot" has evolved to retain its original meaning while also gaining additional senses and figurative uses.
