pacemaker
Pacemaker (noun) means a small medical device implanted in the chest to regulate an irregular heartbeat. Example: “He had a pacemaker fitted after his heart rhythm became unstable.”
How to use pacemaker
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither an implanted device that keeps someone's heartbeat steady, or a racer who sets the pace for others.
Word forms
- Plural
- pacemakers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He had a _____ fitted after his heart rhythm became unstable.
Etymology
A compound of "pace" and "maker," originally describing the natural pacemaker cells of the heart before being applied to the medical device.