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

Micra, the world’s smallest pacemaker, was also recently developed by Medtronic, and is roughly the size of a multivitamin. —Mars King, Twin Cities, 30 Oct. 2024

Tola started to wind up after the pacemakers dropped out at 25km. —Liam Tharme, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024

Because heart failure can impact the heart's electrical system, your healthcare team may also advise placing one or more devices—an ICD or biventricular pacemaker—underneath the skin in the chest area. —Rafle Fernandez, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

John has been open in the past about his various health struggles, including hearing loss, knee and hip replacement surgery, as well as prostate cancer and a the implantation of a pacemaker to treat an irregular heartbeat. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 25 Nov. 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