fibrinolysis
/ˌfaɪbrɪˈnɒlɪsɪs/
noun
Origin
Modern scientific composition
fibrin + lysis — fiber + loosening
Overview
Meaning Now
- The physiological process by which a blood clot (thrombus) is broken down or dissolved.
- The enzymatic breakdown of fibrin strands within a clot.
Literal older meaning
the loosening or splitting of fiber
Language path
Latin → New Latin → English
Earliest form
fibrinolysis
Earliest period
early 20th century
Journey
The study of fibrinolysis became a major focus of hematology following the characterization of plasmin (originally called fibrinolysin) in the early 20th century. Understanding this process was crucial for developing treatments for thromboembolic diseases.
Evolution
- 19th century
fibrin
“a fibrous protein”
Coined from Latin 'fibra' (fiber).
- 19th century
lysis
“a loosening or dissolution”
From Greek 'lysis'.
- 20th century
fibrinolysis
“dissolution of fibrin clots”
Combination of the two roots to describe the physiological mechanism.
Connections
Word parts
fibrin
root
fibrous protein
o
other
connecting vowel
lysis
root
dissolution, loosening
Related across languages
French
fibrinolyse
fibrinolysis
German
Fibrinolyse
fibrinolysis
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.