pacemaker

[ peys-mey-ker ]

noun

1. pacesetter.
2. Medicine/Medical. an electronic device implanted beneath the skin for providing a normal heartbeat by electrical stimulation of the heart muscle, used in certain heart conditions.
3. Anatomy, Physiology. any specialized tissue that governs a rhythmic or cyclic biological activity, as the sinoatrial node of the heart that controls heartbeat.

pacemaker

/ ˈpeɪsˌmeɪkə /

noun

1. a person, horse, vehicle, etc, used in a race or speed trial to set the pace
2. a person, an organization, etc, regarded as being the leader in a particular field of activity
3. Also calledcardiac pacemaker a small area of specialized tissue within the wall of the right atrium of the heart whose spontaneous electrical activity initiates and controls the beat of the heart
4. Also calledartificial pacemaker an electronic device for use in certain cases of heart disease to assume the functions of the natural cardiac pacemaker

pacemaker

/ pās′mā′kər /

1. Any of several usually miniaturized and surgically implanted electronic devices used to stimulate or regulate contractions of the heart muscle. Electrodes attached to the heart muscle conduct electrical signals generated from the pacemaker, which either provides constant electrical stimuli to regularize the heartbeat (fixed-rate pacemakers) or provides a stimulus only when electrical activity within the heart is abnormal (demand pacemakers). Pacemakers are used in the treatment of various arrhythmias.
2. A part of the body, such as the specialized mass of cardiac muscle fibers of the sinoatrial node, that sets the pace or rhythm of physiological activity.

pacemaker

1. A group of specialized muscle fibers in the heart that send out impulses to regulate the heartbeat. If the heart's built-in pacemaker does not function properly, an artificial pacemaker may be necessary — a small electrical device that also regulates the heartbeat by sending out impulses. An artificial pacemaker may be placed inside the body surgically or may be worn outside.

Other Words From

• pacemaking noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pacemaker¹

First recorded in 1880–85; pace ¹ + maker

Example Sentences

The retired dental specialist received a pacemaker in July to treat heart failure that caused fatigue and difficulty breathing for months.

From Los Angeles Times

There is no pacemaker to drag the big boys along to a faster finish.

From BBC

The inquest was told that had medics at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester given Mr Gibson a pacemaker he would still be alive.

From BBC

Though devices like pacemakers have improved countless lives, they have their drawbacks; electronics tend to be bulky and rigid, and can cause irritation.

From Science Daily

When medical devices such as pacemakers are implanted in the body, they usually provoke an immune response that leads to buildup of scar tissue around the implant.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• favorite
• shoo-in