thrombin

[ throm-bin ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. an enzyme of the blood plasma that catalyzes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin, the last step of the blood clotting process.

thrombin

/ ˈθrɒmbɪn /

noun

1. biochem an enzyme that acts on fibrinogen in blood causing it to clot

thrombin

/ thrŏm′bĭn /

1. An enzyme in blood that catalyzes the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin and is essential to the coagulation of blood.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thrombin¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; thromb(us) + -in ²

Example Sentences

It is not yet certain what is the nature of the final reaction between fibrinogen and thrombin.

From Project Gutenberg

Thrombin, on the other hand, does not exist in living blood, but only makes its appearance there after blood is shed.

From Project Gutenberg

The last step in the change is the action of thrombin upon fibrinogen to form fibrin, and the clot is complete.

From Project Gutenberg

First, it is found that thrombin becomes converted very quickly into an inactive modification.

From Project Gutenberg

The coagulating enzymes, such as thrombin or thrombase (the fibrin ferment) and rennin, which causes the clotting of milk.

From Project Gutenberg