anticoagulant
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˌæntɪˈkoʊəɡjʊlənt/
KK: /æntiˈkoʊəɡjələnt/
adjective
Definition
Having the ability to prevent blood from clotting.
Example
The doctor prescribed an anticoagulant to help prevent blood clots.
Conversation
I heard that some foods can act as an anticoagulant for better heart health.
Really? Like what?
Things like garlic and ginger are known to have that effect.
That’s interesting! I’ll definitely try to include more of those in my diet.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
blood-thinning
preventive
inhibitory
Antonyms
coagulative
thickening
clotting
noun
Definition
A substance that stops blood from clotting.
Example
Doctors often prescribe anticoagulants to prevent blood clots in patients.
Conversation
I just found out my doctor prescribed me an anticoagulant for my condition.
Oh really? What does that do exactly?
It helps prevent my blood from clotting too much, which can be dangerous.
Root Explanation
Anticoagulant is formed from "anti-" (meaning against) and "coagulare" (meaning to clot). The word describes a substance that works against the process of clotting blood.
Memory Tip
Think of something that works 'against' ('anti-') the process of 'clotting' ('coagulare') — that's why anticoagulant refers to a substance that prevents blood from clotting.
Visually Confused Words
coagulant