thromboplastin

noun

throm·​bo·​plas·​tin ˌthräm-bō-ˈpla-stən How to pronounce thromboplastin (audio)
: a complex enzyme found especially in platelets that functions in the conversion of prothrombin into thrombin in the clotting of blood

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary, from thromboplastic

First Known Use

1911, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of thromboplastin was in 1911

Dictionary Entries Near thromboplastin

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

thromboplastin

noun
throm·​bo·​plas·​tin ˌthräm-bō-ˈplas-tən How to pronounce thromboplastin (audio)
: a complex enzyme that is found in brain, lung, and other tissues and especially in blood platelets and that functions in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin in the clotting of blood

called also thrombokinase

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