/hep"euh rin/ , n.
1. Biochem. a polysaccharide, occurring in various tissues, esp. the liver, and having anticoagulent properties.
2. Pharm. a commercial form of this substance, obtained from the liver and lungs of domesticated food animals, that when injected into the blood prevents coagulation: used chiefly in the treatment of thrombosis.
[ 1915-20; hêpar the liver + -IN 2 ]