clot
n : a coagulated mass produced by clotting of blood , vb, clot*ted clot*ting vi : to undergo a sequence of complex chemical and physical reactions that results in conversion of fluid blood into a coagulum and that involves shedding of blood, release of thromboplastin from blood platelets and injured tissues, inactivation of heparin by thromboplastin permitting calcium ions of the plasma to convert prothrombin to thrombin, interaction of thrombin with fibrinogen to form an insoluble fibrin network in which blood cells and plasma are trapped, and contraction of the network to squeeze out excess fluid : COAGULATE vt : to gather, press, or stick together in a mass <perspiration clotted his hair> <the milk was clotted by the addition of a coagulant before it was used> .
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated. © 1997-2004.
|
|
|