warfarin

noun

war·​fa·​rin ˈwȯr-fə-rən 

: a crystalline anticoagulant coumarin derivative C₁₉H₁₆O₄ that inhibits the production of prothrombin by vitamin K and is used as a rodent poison and in medicine

also : its sodium salt C₁₉H₁₅NaO₄ used especially in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic disease

Examples of warfarin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Use ginger cautiously or avoid it when taking anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) or anti-platelet medications. —Lauren O'Connor, Health, 21 Oct. 2025

Who Should Avoid Carrot-Turmeric Juice Since turmeric has blood-thinning effects, Mok warned that people taking warfarin or those on chemotherapy or immunosuppressive drugs may want to avoid it. —Caitlin Pagán, Verywell Health, 2 Sep. 2025

Common blood thinners include warfarin, heparin, apixaban, rivaroxaban and dabigatran. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (its patentee) + coumarin

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for warfarin

• sarin

Medical Definition

warfarin

noun

war·​fa·​rin ˈwȯr-fə-rən 

: a crystalline anticoagulant coumarin derivative C₁₉H₁₆O₄ related to dicumarol that inhibits the production of prothrombin by vitamin K and is used as a rodent poison and in medicine

also : its sodium salt C₁₉H₁₅NaO₄ used especially in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic disease see coumadin