1. a fragrant organic compound found naturally in many plants, used in perfumes and as a flavoring agent
Usage: chemistry
2. any of various synthetic derivatives of this compound used as anticoagulant drugs
Usage: medicine

Examples

• Coumarin gives sweet clover its distinctive vanilla-like scent.
• The perfume contained natural coumarin extracted from tonka beans.
• Warfarin is a coumarin derivative used to prevent blood clots.
• High levels of coumarin in cinnamon can be toxic if consumed regularly.
• The chemist synthesized a new coumarin compound in the laboratory.
• Coumarin-based rodenticides work by preventing blood coagulation.
• Many plants produce coumarin as a natural defense mechanism.