heparin
/ˈhɛpərɪn
/noun [mass noun] Biochemistry
A compound occurring in the liver and other tissues which inhibits blood coagulation. A sulphur-containing polysaccharide, it is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis.Blood was collected from untreated albino mice using heparin as the anticoagulant....
- The common treatment for thrombotic episodes is an oral anticoagulant and/or heparin.
- The drug is based on the natural anticoagulant heparin.
Origin
Early 20th century: via late Latin from Greek hēpar 'liver' + -in1.