pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpās-ˌmā-kər 

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

pacemaking

ˈpās-ˌmā-kiŋ 

noun

Synonyms

• bellwether
• leader
• pacer
• pacesetter
• trendsetter

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics

Recent Examples on the Web

Medications Medications that promote bleeding must be avoided before pacemaker surgery. —Jennifer Whitlock, Rn, Msn, Fn, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2023

The 73-year-old was fitted with a pacemaker over the weekend, in his second hospital stay in two weeks. —Patrick Smith, NBC News, 24 July 2023

Merriman had suffered from heart and liver problems and had a pacemaker. —Lauren Turner Dunn, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2023

Netanyahu’s doctors said Sunday the heart pacemaker implantation went smoothly and that Netanyahu, 73, felt fine. —Time, 23 July 2023

Headphones and earbuds have magnets, so keep them away from your pacemaker. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 18 Aug. 2023

The move comes with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in hospital, having been fitted with a pacemaker. —Richard Allen Greene, CNN, 23 July 2023

Several days later, he was fitted with a pacemaker. —Ruth Margalit, New York Times, 27 Sep. 2023

In 2016 he was fitted with a pacemaker because of a slow pulse. —John Wawrow, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2023

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər 

1

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

2

: an electrical device for steadying or establishing the heartbeat

Medical Definition

pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər 

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