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

• heparinoid
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of heparin

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

Example Sentences

It delivers a shot of adrenaline, while a snakebite pen could inject heparin.

From BBC • Feb. 7, 2026

But there have been periodic episodes that have exposed concerns in other sectors, including the 2008 scandal in China over the production of the blood thinner heparin.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 18, 2025

More than 11 million people in the United States take anticoagulation or antiplatelet medications, such as heparin or aspirin, to treat serious conditions like heart attack and stroke.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2024

Other instances of contaminated products from overseas included blood pressure medications suspected of containing a possible carcinogen and deadly batches of heparin, both of which prompted mass recalls.

From New York Times • Apr. 3, 2023

Make a note — we'll need to run some heparin soon.

From "Drums, Girls, and Dangerous Pie" by Jordan Sonnenblick