thromboplastin

noun

throm·​bo·​plas·​tin ˌthräm-bō-ˈpla-stən 

: 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

Medical Definition

thromboplastin

noun

throm·​bo·​plas·​tin ˌthräm-bō-ˈplas-tən 

: 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