1. A general descriptive term applied to anticoagulants and other drugs derived from dicumarol, a component of the Tonka bean. 2. A fragrant neutral principle obtained from the Tonka bean, Dypterix odorata, and made synthetically from salicylic aldehyde; it is used to disguise unpleasant odors. SYN: coumaric anhydride, cumarin. [coumarou, native name of Tonka bean]
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cou·ma·rin 'kü-mə-rən n a toxic white crystalline lactone C9H6O2 with an odor of new-mown hay found in plants or made synthetically and used esp. in perfumery and as the parent compound in various anticoagulant agents (as warfarin) also a derivative of this compound
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cou·ma·rin (kooґmə-rin) 1. a principle with a bitter taste and an odor like that of vanilla beans, derived from tonka bean, sweet clover, and other plants, and also prepared synthetically. It contains a factor, dicumarol, that inhibits the hepatic synthesis of the vitamin K–dependent coagulation factors (prothrombin, factors VII, IX, and X), and a number of its derivatives are used widely as anticoagulants in the treatment of disorders in which there is excessive or undesirable clotting, such as thrombophlebitis, pulmonary embolism, and certain cardiac conditions. 2. any derivative of coumarin or any synthetic compound with coumarin-like actions.Medical dictionary. 2011.