heparin

[ hep-uh-rin ]

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.

heparin

/ ˈhɛpərɪn /

noun

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

heparin

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• ˈheparinˌoid, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of heparin¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heparin¹

C20: from Greek hēpar the liver + -in

Example Sentences

In 2008, the drug heparin was tied to dozens of deaths after most of the active ingredient was swapped with a counterfeit.

From The Daily Beast