plasmin
|plas-min|
/ˈplæz.mɪn/
enzyme that dissolves clots
Etymology
'plasmin' originates from Modern Latin/New Latin, specifically formed from 'plasma' + the protein suffix '-in', where 'plasma' meant 'something molded, a thing formed'.
'plasma' comes from Greek 'plasma' (πλάσμα) derived from the verb 'plassein' meaning 'to form'; 'plasma' entered scientific Latin/modern languages, and the name 'plasmin' was coined in modern scientific usage (early 20th century) to denote the protein.
Initially related to the general notion of 'something formed' (plasma), but over time 'plasmin' came to denote the specific enzyme that digests fibrin and dissolves blood clots.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an enzyme (a serine protease) present in blood that digests fibrin and dissolves blood clots; it is produced from the inactive precursor plasminogen.
Plasmin breaks down fibrin in blood clots.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/28 22:48