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

If the sinus node fails there are backup pacemakers that take over. —Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 25 Sep. 2024

Its new products - including the Micra AV pacemaker and Abre venous self-expanding stent system for Deep Venous disease - have done well. —Trefis Team, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024

His doctors later removed part of his bowel and inserted a pacemaker. —Daniel S. Levine, Peoplemag, 23 Sep. 2024

People, pacemakers, and glaucoma are not the stuff that can be pasted into a Microsoft document or onto a sheet of paper. —Lore Segal, The New Yorker, 29 Sep. 2024

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