pacemaker

noun pace·mak·er \ ˈpās-ˌmā-kər \

Updated on: 22 Apr 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

But in the future, Hampson hopes, surgeons could implant a similar apparatus entirely within a person's skull, like a neural pacemaker.

— robbie gonzalez, WIRED, "A Brain-Boosting Prosthesis Moves From Rats to Humans," 6 Apr. 2018
The very first recall of a medical device for security reasons—a pacemaker from Abbot's—was issued by the FDA in August 2017.

— sean gallagher, Ars Technica, "Hacking your brain(scan): security bugs in EEG software open hospitals to attack," 4 Apr. 2018
In recent years, Freddie Brandon had been put on a pacemaker and had suffered injuries.

— maya lau, latimes.com, "Family looks for answers in killing of Hyde Park woman, 78," 1 Apr. 2018
Learning that treatment would require a permanent pacemaker was no less of a surprise.

— neta alexander, The Atlantic, "My Pacemaker Is Tracking Me From Inside My Body," 27 Jan. 2018
As a first-year student on an academic scholarship at Oxford, Bannister caught his coaches' attention while running as a pacemaker in a mile race on March 22, 1947.

— michael democker, NOLA.com, "40th running of the Crescent City Classic: photo gallery," 31 Mar. 2018
Not least of which is its buying power, which may help purchasing talks on items ranging from pacemakers to hip implants to MRI scanners.

— lawrence specker, AL.com, "UAB-Infirmary Health alliance could have big impact on Alabama care," 29 Mar. 2018
Inspire, an implanted device that acts a pacemaker of sorts for the tongue, pushing it forward to open up the airway and allow for unobstructed breathing.

— shari rudavsky, Indianapolis Star, "Apnea woes? New implanted device may restore uninterrupted sleep," 27 Mar. 2018
However, a spokesman for Iran’s judiciary sought to downplay any expectation Baquer Namazi would be put on an indefinite release following his recent surgery to install a pacemaker.

— nasser karimi, The Seattle Times, "Iran confirms it granted brief leave to ailing US citizen," 4 Feb. 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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