hirudin

noun

hi·​ru·​din hi-ˈrü-dᵊn How to pronounce hirudin (audio) ˈhir-(y)ə- How to pronounce hirudin (audio)
: an anticoagulant extracted from the buccal glands of the medicinal leech

Examples of hirudin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The team also found that sulfated anophelins are more effective than hirudin, a blood-thinning molecule derived from the salivary juices of leeches, which is occasionally used in clinical settings. Vanessa Zainzinger, Science | AAAS, 10 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hirudin.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from Hirudin, a trademark

First Known Use

1905, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hirudin was in 1905

Dictionary Entries Near hirudin

Cite this Entry

“Hirudin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hirudin. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

hirudin

noun
: an anticoagulant extracted from the buccal glands of a leech

More from Merriam-Webster on hirudin

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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