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

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

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