anticoagulant

noun

an·​ti·​co·​ag·​u·​lant ˌan-tē-kō-ˈa-gyə-lənt How to pronounce anticoagulant (audio) ˌan-tī- How to pronounce anticoagulant (audio)
: a substance that hinders the clotting of blood : blood thinner
anticoagulant adjective

Examples of anticoagulant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The dialysis unit’s pumps push the blood through the cartridge, while its sensors balance fluid, watch circuit pressures for safety, and automatically meter the anticoagulant that keeps the blood from clotting along the way. Elie Dolgin, IEEE Spectrum, 4 June 2026 People prescribed warfarin or other anticoagulants are instructed to keep their vitamin K intake consistent. Beth Thomas, Verywell Health, 27 May 2026 If desired, waste products and other metabolites could be removed from the blood, and nutrients, therapeutic or experimental drugs, anticoagulants and other substances added to the blood. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 May 2026 Rat poison typically includes bromadiolone, an anticoagulant that prevents the blood from clotting, according to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety. ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for anticoagulant

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anticoagulant was in 1886

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Cite this Entry

“Anticoagulant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anticoagulant. Accessed 6 Jun. 2026.

Medical Definition

anticoagulant

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​co·​ag·​u·​lant ˌant-i-kō-ˈag-yə-lənt, ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce anticoagulant (audio)
: of, relating to, or utilizing anticoagulants
anticoagulant therapy

anticoagulant

2 of 2 noun
: a substance (as a drug) that hinders coagulation and especially coagulation of the blood : blood thinner

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