pacemaker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Formal, General
Quick answer
What does “pacemaker” mean?
A device surgically placed in the chest to regulate an abnormal heart rhythm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A device surgically placed in the chest to regulate an abnormal heart rhythm.
A person or thing that sets the speed or leads the way in a competition or field of activity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling is consistent. Usage of the metaphorical sense might be slightly more common in American sports journalism (e.g., 'the team's offensive pacemaker').
Connotations
Identical strong medical/technical connotations. Metaphorical use retains positive connotations of leadership and setting standards.
Frequency
Higher overall frequency in US English due to larger volume of medical and sports-related media content.
Grammar
How to Use “pacemaker” in a Sentence
N of N (the pacemaker of the industry)have/get/be fitted with a pacemakerimplant/insert a pacemakerN acts as a pacemaker (for N)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pacemaker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard. The verb is 'to pace'. 'Pacemake' is not an established verb.)
American English
- (Not standard. The verb is 'to pace'. 'Pacemake' is not an established verb.)
adverb
British English
- (No adverbial form.)
American English
- (No adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- (Rarely used attributively, e.g., 'pacemaker technology', 'pacemaker lead'.)
American English
- (Rarely used attributively, e.g., 'pacemaker technology', 'pacemaker battery'.)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; if so, metaphorically: 'The company was the pacemaker for innovation in the sector.'
Academic
Common in medical/biological texts for the technical device; also in physiology for natural cardiac pacemaker (SA node).
Everyday
Primarily used in discussions of health, medical procedures, or elderly relatives: 'My grandfather had a pacemaker fitted.' Metaphorical use understood but less frequent.
Technical
The dominant context. Refers precisely to the implantable medical device or the sinoatrial node in biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pacemaker”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pacemaker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pacemaker”
- Confusing 'pacemaker' with 'peacemaker'.
- Using 'pacemaker' for any medical implant (e.g., a cochlear implant).
- Overusing the metaphorical sense in inappropriate contexts.
- Misspelling as 'pace maker' (should be one word or hyphenated: pace-maker is an older variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are different devices. A pacemaker primarily corrects slow or irregular heartbeats by sending small electrical pulses. A defibrillator (ICD) is designed to stop dangerously fast, life-threatening heart rhythms with a stronger shock.
Yes, metaphorically, to refer to a person or organization that leads the way or sets standards in a particular field, e.g., 'Silicon Valley is the pacemaker of global tech innovation.'
In their metaphorical senses, they are often synonymous. However, 'pacemaker' retains its strong primary medical association, while 'pacesetter' is almost exclusively used in the metaphorical sense of a leader or trendsetter.
Most modern pacemakers are well-shielded. Strong electromagnetic fields (like MRI machines, industrial generators) can interfere, but everyday devices like phones and microwaves are generally safe when used normally, following specific medical advice.
A device surgically placed in the chest to regulate an abnormal heart rhythm.
Pacemaker is usually technical, formal, general in register.
Pacemaker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪsˌmeɪkə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpeɪsˌmeɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Set the pace (idiom from which the metaphorical sense derives)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a race: the person who sets the PACE for others is the PACEmaker. A heart pacemaker sets the correct pace for your heartbeat.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (the heart is a pump regulated by a device); LEADERSHIP/INNOVATION IS BEING AT THE FRONT OF A RACE.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'pacemaker' most specifically and technically defined?