: a drug (such as streptokinase) used to dissolve blood clots

Word History

First Known Use

1984, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clot-buster was in 1984

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Cite this Entry

“Clot-buster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clot-buster. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: a drug (as streptokinase or tissue plasminogen activator) used to dissolve blood clots
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