Antifibrinolysin

/ˌæntiˌfɪbrɪˈnɑːlɪsɪn/ noun

Definition

A protein or substance that blocks fibrinolysis, the body's natural process of breaking down blood clots.

Etymology

From anti- + fibrinolysin (enzyme that breaks down fibrin in blood clots). Medical term developed in the 20th century to describe clot-stabilizing factors.

Kelly Says

Your body has tiny soldiers called antifibrinolysins that stand guard over blood clots and say 'not so fast' to your clot-dissolving enzymes, which is why wounds stop bleeding!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.