noun
- a substance found in the saliva of leeches that prevents blood from clotting, used medically as an anticoagulant.
Usage: medical/scientific term; often used in pharmaceutical contexts
Examples
- Hirudin is extracted from medicinal leeches and used to prevent blood clots.
- The pharmaceutical company developed a synthetic form of hirudin for heart patients.
- Hirudin works by inhibiting thrombin, a key enzyme in blood clotting.
- Doctors may prescribe hirudin-based medications after certain surgical procedures.
- Hirudin has been studied as an alternative to warfarin for anticoagulation therapy.