Definition

A protein in the blood that helps with clotting by being changed into another protein called thrombin.

Example

Prothrombin is essential for the blood clotting process.

Conversation

I was reading about how blood clotting works, and I came across the term prothrombin.

Oh really? What did you learn about it?

It seems that prothrombin is a protein that helps with clotting when you get injured.

That's interesting! I didn't know it played such an important role.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Prothrombin is formed from "pro-" (meaning before) and "thrombin" (from Greek "thrombos", meaning clot). The word refers to a substance that is a precursor to thrombin, which is involved in blood clotting.

Memory Tip

Think of 'pro-' meaning 'before' and 'thrombin' relating to 'clotting' — prothrombin is the substance that comes before the clotting process.

Visually Confused Words