prothrombin

noun

pro·​throm·​bin (ˌ)prō-ˈthräm-bən How to pronounce prothrombin (audio)
: a plasma protein produced in the liver in the presence of vitamin K and converted into thrombin in the clotting of blood

Examples of prothrombin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This vitamin is vital to the synthesis of prothrombin and osteocalcin, proteins that in turn regulate blood clotting and bone metabolism. Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 30 Nov. 2022 Your body uses vitamin K to build substances such as prothrombin that help your blood to clot when needed. Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2022 Specifically, a protein in blood that is directly involved with clotting, prothrombin, is dependent on vitamin K. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 Oct. 2022 Among the 20 or so known genetic risk factors, the most common include the factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin gene mutations and deficiencies in protein C, protein S and antithrombin. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 1 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prothrombin.' 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

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prothrombin was in 1898

Dictionary Entries Near prothrombin

Cite this Entry

“Prothrombin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prothrombin. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

prothrombin

noun
pro·​throm·​bin (ˈ)prō-ˈthräm-bən How to pronounce prothrombin (audio)
: a plasma protein produced in the liver in the presence of vitamin K and converted into thrombin by the action of various activators (as thromboplastin) in the clotting of blood
prothrombic adjective

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