The word "coagulable" is spelled with a "g" followed by a "u" instead of a straightforward "ag" because of the phonetic makeup of the word. The "o" and "a" sounds in the word contribute to a unique stress pattern, and the "g" and "u" combination allows for a distinct separation of sounds. Pronounced as /kəˈæɡjʊləbəl/, this word refers to the ability of a substance to be coagulated or clotted. It is often used in medical and scientific contexts.
Coagulable is an adjective that refers to the ability of a liquid, typically blood or another bodily fluid, to coagulate or clot. When a substance is coagulable, it means that it can undergo the process of coagulation.
Coagulation is the process through which a liquid changes from a fluid state to a semi-solid or solid state. In the case of coagulable substances, this solidification occurs due to the formation of a network of fibrin strands that trap blood cells and platelets, forming a clot. This clotting mechanism is essential for controlling bleeding and promoting wound healing in the body.
In a medical context, the coagulability of blood is of paramount importance, as disorders that affect this ability can lead to excessive bleeding or blood clot formation, posing serious health risks. Determining the coagulability of blood is often done through laboratory tests, such as the prothrombin time (PT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), which evaluate the blood's ability to clot within a specified time frame.
Overall, coagulable describes a substance's ability to coagulate or clot, specifically referring to liquids like blood. Understanding the coagulability of substances is crucial in medical diagnostics and treatment, as it plays a crucial role in maintaining the body's hemostatic balance.
Capable of clotting, tending to clot.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
That may be thickened.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word coagulable is derived from the Latin word coagulabilis, which in turn comes from the verb coagulare, meaning to curdle or to congeal. This Latin verb is formed from the prefix co- (meaning together) and agulo, which means to make solid or to form a mass.