warfarin

noun

war·​fa·​rin ˈwȯr-fə-rən 

: a crystalline anticoagulant coumarin derivative C₁₉H₁₆O₄ that inhibits the production of prothrombin by vitamin K and is used as a rodent poison and in medicine

also : its sodium salt C₁₉H₁₅NaO₄ used especially in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic disease

Examples of warfarin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There's conflicting research about whether cranberry interacts with the blood thinner Coumadin (warfarin). —Cynthia Sass, Health, 27 Apr. 2026

For those on blood thinners like warfarin, taking noni with your medication can also reduce your body’s blood-clotting ability. —Bestreviews, Mercury News, 10 Feb. 2026

For nearly 60 years, the drug of choice was warfarin, which was originally developed as a rat poison. —David Cox, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026

Common examples include Jantoven (warfarin) and heparin. —Carrie Madormo, Verywell Health, 7 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (its patentee) + coumarin

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for warfarin

• sarin

Medical Definition

warfarin

noun

war·​fa·​rin ˈwȯr-fə-rən 

: a crystalline anticoagulant coumarin derivative C₁₉H₁₆O₄ related to dicumarol that inhibits the production of prothrombin by vitamin K and is used as a rodent poison and in medicine

also : its sodium salt C₁₉H₁₅NaO₄ used especially in the prevention or treatment of thromboembolic disease see coumadin