heparin

/ˈhɛp.ə.ɹɪn/

HƐP · ə · ɹɪn (3 syllables)

English Noun Top 37,795

Definition

A compound occurring in the liver and other tissues which inhibits blood coagulation. A sulfur-containing polysaccharide, it is used as an anticoagulant in the treatment of thrombosis.

Etymology

From Latin hepar (“liver”) + -in.