Word
heparin
Phoneticshep·arin
US/ˈhɛpɝɪn/
UK/hˈɛpəɹˌɪn/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a medicine that keeps blood thin so dangerous clots do not form. Doctors use it during surgery or to treat blocked blood flow.
n. an anticoagulant polysaccharide that inhibits clotting by activating antithrombin, used clinically to prevent and treat thrombosis during surgery, dialysis, and acute cardiac care.
Examples
“Doctors use heparin to stop blood clots.”
“The nurse gives the patient heparin before surgery to keep his blood from clotting.”
“Because heparin acts quickly but breaks down fast, doctors often start treatment with heparin in hospital before switching patients to slower, longer-lasting blood thinners at home.”
Examples
simple
“Doctors use heparin to stop blood clots.”
contextual
“The nurse gives the patient heparin before surgery to keep his blood from clotting.”
complex
“Because heparin acts quickly but breaks down fast, doctors often start treatment with heparin in hospital before switching patients to slower, longer-lasting blood thinners at home.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “heparin” in context.
Verb
01. administer heparin
“Nurses administer heparin intravenously in the intensive care unit.”
verb + noun
02. discontinue heparin
“Surgeons discontinue heparin six hours before the operation.”
verb + noun
03. heparin inhibits
“Heparin inhibits thrombin and factor Xa to keep blood flowing.”
noun + verb
04. heparin prevents
“Heparin prevents dangerous clots from forming during dialysis.”
noun + verb
Adjective
05. intravenous heparin
“Intravenous heparin was started immediately to treat the pulmonary embolism.”
adj + noun
06. prophylactic heparin
“She was given prophylactic heparin to prevent clots after hip replacement.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. dose of heparin
“A missed dose of heparin can significantly increase clotting risk.”
noun + prep + noun
08. heparin infusion
“The heparin infusion was adjusted hourly by the critical care team.”
noun + noun
09. resistance to heparin
“Resistance to heparin is rare but requires specialist haematology input.”
noun + prep + noun
10. bridge with therapeutic heparin
“Patients with mechanical valves are often bridged with therapeutic heparin.”
11. develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
“A small minority develop heparin-induced thrombocytopenia after prolonged exposure.”
12. require continuous heparin infusion
“Postoperative patients with atrial fibrillation require continuous heparin infusion.”
Real-World Examples
“U.S. legislators are expressing apprehension regarding a Chinese firm's proposed $4.7 billion acquisition of Smithfield Foods Inc., a pork producer, due to potential implications for the safety and supply of heparin, a blood-thinning medication extensively utilized in heart surgeries and kidney dialysis, which is sourced from pig intestines.” “Scientists have discovered a chemical contaminant in the blood-thinning medication heparin sourced from China, affirming the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's earlier conclusions that identified it as oversulfated chondroitin sulfate.” “On Wednesday, U.S. health authorities announced they have detected a contaminant in certain batches of Baxter International Inc's blood-thinning drug heparin, which has been associated with severe adverse reactions and fatalities.” Etymology
From Latin hepar (“liver”) + -in.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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