prothrombin

noun

pro·​throm·​bin (ˌ)prō-ˈthräm-bən 

: a plasma protein produced in the liver in the presence of vitamin K and converted into thrombin in the clotting of blood

Examples of prothrombin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This vitamin is vital to the synthesis of prothrombin and osteocalcin, proteins that in turn regulate blood clotting and bone metabolism. —Perri O. Blumberg, Men's Health, 30 Nov. 2022

Your body uses vitamin K to build substances such as prothrombin that help your blood to clot when needed. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 8 Oct. 2022

Specifically, a protein in blood that is directly involved with clotting, prothrombin, is dependent on vitamin K. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 7 Oct. 2022

Among the 20 or so known genetic risk factors, the most common include the factor V Leiden mutation, prothrombin gene mutations and deficiencies in protein C, protein S and antithrombin. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 1 Nov. 2021

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

prothrombin

noun

pro·​throm·​bin (ˈ)prō-ˈthräm-bən 

: a plasma protein produced in the liver in the presence of vitamin K and converted into thrombin by the action of various activators (as thromboplastin) in the clotting of blood

prothrombic

-bik 

adjective