urokinase

noun

uro·​ki·​nase ˌyu̇r-ō-ˈkī-ˌnās How to pronounce urokinase (audio)
-ˌnāz
: an enzyme that is produced by the kidney and found in urine, that activates plasminogen, and that is used therapeutically to dissolve blood clots (as in the heart)

Examples of urokinase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
In the early 1980s, when his research was federally funded, Gurewich figured out that urokinase and tPA functioned as a team in the body. Karen Weintraub, STAT, 6 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of urokinase was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near urokinase

Cite this Entry

“Urokinase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/urokinase. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

urokinase

noun
: an enzyme that is produced by the kidney and is found in human urine, that activates plasminogen, and that is used therapeutically to dissolve blood clots (as in the heart)

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