pacemaker

noun pace·mak·er \ ˈpās-ˌmā-kər \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 2018

Definition of pacemaker

1 a : one that sets the pace for another

b : one that takes the lead or sets an example

2 a : a group of cells or a body part (such as the sinus node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity

b : an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart

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pacemaking

play \ˈpās-ˌmā-kiŋ\ noun

See pacemaker defined for English-language learners

See pacemaker defined for kids

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics

Recent Examples of pacemaker from the Web

The 30-year industry veteran had been hospitalized this spring following surgery for a pacemaker, and his battles with cancer and other ailments even led to a GoFundMe campaign to help his family cover hospital expenses.

— marc schneider, Billboard, "Russ Regan, 'Golden-Eared' Exec Who Signed Elton John and Barry White, Dies at 89," 29 May 2018
The unit quickly assesses vital signs, interprets EKG’s and is also a pacemaker, Peterson said.

— jane ford-stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Greendale couple anonymously donates $30,000 for heart device expected to save lives," 22 May 2018
Hendel, who owns Gallery Art, which is in the same plaza as the massage parlor, said his dog — which has a pacemaker — followed a customer out and was alone for about seven minutes before Nunez came along.

— carli teproff, miamiherald, "The pet with a pacemaker is home thanks to a man who thought the dog had been abandoned | Miami Herald," 17 May 2018
While pacemakers generally drop out before the end of the race, Bannister continued on, reportedly beating the field by 20 yards, AP sportswriter Chris Lehourites recounts.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "Five Things to Know About Roger Bannister, the First Person to Break the 4-Minute Mile," 5 Mar. 2018
The newest, smallest pacemaker comes with no strings attached—literally.

— leslie nemo, Scientific American, "New Wireless Pacemaker Could Prevent Common Complications," 1 Sep. 2017
In 2002, however, the Government Accountability Office studied purchases of safety needles and pacemakers in one metropolitan area and found hospitals that negotiated on their own often obtained lower prices.

— phillip l. zweig and, WSJ, "Where Does the Law Against Kickbacks Not Apply? Your Hospital," 7 May 2018
The devices’ electrical impulses are generated by a pacemaker-like pulse generator implanted in the chest or torso, connected by wiring and powered by a battery.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "Don’t charge your brain implant during thunderstorms, docs warn after incident," 5 May 2018
The Scot had surgery to fit a pacemaker in 2004 after a heart irregularity was discovered and had a hip operation five years ago shortly after retiring from United.

— Bloomberg.com, "Ex-Man United Manager Alex Ferguson Has Emergency Brain Surgery," 5 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pacemaker.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of pacemaker

1884

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

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pacemaker Synonyms

PACEMAKER Defined for English Language Learners

pacemaker

noun

Definition of pacemaker for English Language Learners

medical : a small electrical machine put inside a person to make the heart beat evenly

Medical Dictionary

pacemaker

noun pace·mak·er \ ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər \

medical Definition of pacemaker

1 : a group of cells or a body part (as the sinoatrial node of the heart) that serves to establish and maintain a rhythmic activity

2 : an electrical device for stimulating or steadying the heartbeat or reestablishing the rhythm of an arrested heart — called also pacer

Learn More about pacemaker

See words that rhyme with pacemaker Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for pacemaker Spanish Central: Translation of pacemaker Nglish: Translation of pacemaker for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pacemaker

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pacemaker

Definition of pacemaker

pacemaking

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

Recent Examples of pacemaker from the Web

First Known Use of pacemaker

pacemaker Synonyms

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PACEMAKER Defined for English Language Learners

pacemaker

Definition of pacemaker for English Language Learners

Medical Dictionary

pacemaker

medical Definition of pacemaker

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