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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As such, Crowe recommended that those on anticoagulants consult a provider before using high-dose supplements. Sarah Garone, Health, 3 Dec. 2025 The primeval lizards also harbor over 50 strains of bacteria in their mouths and their venomous saliva contains an anticoagulant and toxins that induce blood loss, shock, and paralysis in its victim. Norma Meyer, Oc Register, 12 Nov. 2025 These vampiric bugs use needle-like mouthpieces to locate a capillary and inject saliva containing anesthetics and anticoagulants into its host allowing blood to flow freely into their stomachs for several minutes. Katie Nixon, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Sep. 2025 Suppose a doctor needs to find the best and safest anticoagulant for a 68-year-old patient with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease. John Werner, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025 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 Dec. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on anticoagulant

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