heparin

American  

[hep-uh-rin] / ˈhɛp ə rɪn /

noun

1. Biochemistry. a polysaccharide, occurring in various tissues, especially the liver, and having anticoagulent properties.

2. Pharmacology. a commercial form of this substance, obtained from the liver and lungs of domesticated food animals, that when injected into the blood prevents coagulation: used chiefly in the treatment of thrombosis.

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heparin British  

/ ˈhɛpərɪn /

noun

1. a polysaccharide, containing sulphate groups, present in most body tissues: an anticoagulant used in the treatment of thrombosis

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heparin Scientific  

/ hĕp′ər-ĭn /

1. An acidic glycosaminoglycan found especially in lung and liver tissue that prevents the clotting of blood and is used intravenously in the treatment of thrombosis and embolism.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• heparinoid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of heparin

1915–20; < Greek hêpar the liver + -in ²