Definition

Noun: A physiological process in which liquid blood changes into a semisolid gel-like mass, known as a blood clot. This process is crucial for stopping bleeding (hemostasis) when a blood vessel is injured.

Usage

The term "blood clotting" is used to describe the body's natural mechanism to prevent excessive blood loss. - The doctor explained that the medication helps to prevent abnormal blood clotting. - A deficiency in certain vitamins can impair the blood clotting process.

Advanced Usage

• In a medical context: The term is often discussed in relation to disorders, treatments, and preventive care.
  • The study focused on the genetic factors that influence the speed of blood clotting.
• As a gerund (clotting): The verbal noun "clotting" is frequently used interchangeably in this specific context.
  • The patient's blood tests showed normal clotting times.

Variants and Related Words

• Clot (noun/verb): The semisolid mass itself, or the act of forming such a mass.
  • A clot formed at the site of the wound.
• Coagulation (noun): A more technical synonym for the clotting process.
  • Blood coagulation is a complex cascade of reactions.
• Hemostasis (noun): The broader process of stopping bleeding, which includes clotting, vessel constriction, and platelet plug formation.
• Anticoagulant (noun): A substance that prevents or slows down blood clotting.
• Thrombus (noun): A blood clot that forms and remains in a blood vessel.

Synonyms

• Coagulation
• Clot formation
• Blood coagulation

Related Phrases

• Blood clotting factor: Any of the numerous substances in the blood plasma that are involved in the clotting process (e.g., Factor VIII).
  • Hemophilia is caused by a deficiency in a specific blood clotting factor.
• Blood clotting disorder: A medical condition where the clotting process is impaired, leading to excessive bleeding or clotting.
  • She was diagnosed with a rare blood clotting disorder.
• Clotting time: A medical test that measures how long it takes for blood to clot.
  • The lab will check your clotting time before the surgery.

Noun

1. a process in which liquid blood is changed into a semisolid mass (a blood clot)