pacemaker

noun

pace·​mak·​er ˈpās-ˌmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
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 noun

Examples of pacemaker in a Sentence

has long been regarded as a pacemaker in home electronics
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
With the help of a pacemaker and several medications, Wilson was able to live a normal life, his mother said. Kelly Davis, The Mercury News, 4 Nov. 2024 Elevators stopped working between floors, stoplights stopped working at intersections and life-saving pacemakers were rendered useless. Mars King, Twin Cities, 30 Oct. 2024 Loretta voices concern for her pacemaker, a ruse to escape Doreen’s hold. Erin Jensen, USA TODAY, 8 Oct. 2024 In Dunedin, Florida, Paul — who is 57 and has an intellectual disability, a pacemaker and a seizure disorder — says his Medicaid coverage was dropped in March. Jason Kane, NBC News, 3 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pacemaker 

Word History

First Known Use

1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of pacemaker was in 1884

Dictionary Entries Near pacemaker

Cite this Entry

“Pacemaker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pacemaker. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pacemaker

noun
pace·​mak·​er ˈpā-ˌsmā-kər How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
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 How to pronounce pacemaker (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on pacemaker

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