Definition

A type of enzyme that helps break down blood clots in the body.

Example

Fibrinolysin is important for preventing blood clots from becoming too large.

Conversation

I was reading about how our body breaks down blood clots.

Oh really? What helps with that process?

It turns out that an enzyme called fibrinolysin plays a key role.

That's interesting! I didn't know enzymes could do that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fibrinolysin → It is formed from "fibrin" (from Latin "fibrina", meaning a protein involved in blood clotting) and "lysin" (from Greek "lysis", meaning to break down or dissolve). The word refers to a substance that breaks down fibrin, thus dissolving blood clots.

Memory Tip

Think of 'fibrin' as the protein that forms clots and 'lysis' as the process of breaking down — fibrinolysin is what dissolves those clots.

Visually Confused Words