pacemaker
/ˈpeɪsˌmeɪkər/
NOUN
1. A leader who sets the pace
A person who establishes or maintains the speed of a race or activity, often guiding others by determining the rate of progress.
1.1. Racing and athletic competitions
Used for a runner or competitor who leads a race or maintains a particular speed to help other participants regulate their performance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- follower
- Johnny-come-lately
- imitator
- me-tooer
Examples
- The marathon pacemaker maintained a consistent speed for the other runners.
- She acted as the pacemaker, helping the team maintain a steady racing pace.
Related Words
1.2. Leadership and pioneering
Used figuratively for a person, organization, or entity that leads others through innovation, establishes new standards, or influences the direction of an industry or activity.
Synonyms
- bellwether
- forerunner
- foregoer
- groundbreaker
- innovator
- pioneer
- pacesetter
- trendsetter
- leader
- herald
- precursor
Antonyms
- follower
- imitator
- Johnny-come-lately
- me-tooer
Examples
- The company became a pacemaker in the development of renewable energy technology.
- As an industry pacemaker, the organization consistently introduced innovative standards.
- The pioneering scientist served as a pacemaker for future generations of researchers.
Related Words
- trailblazer
- initiator
- visionary
- pathfinder
- vanguard
- originator
- revolutionary
NOUN
2. A natural regulator of the heartbeat
A specialized group of cells in the heart that generates electrical impulses and controls the rhythm and rate of heartbeats.
2.1. Natural cardiac electrical regulation
Used in anatomy and physiology to refer to the heart's natural electrical control system, particularly the sinoatrial node, which initiates electrical signals that regulate heart contractions.
Synonyms
- cardiac pacemaker
- sinoatrial node
- SA node
Examples
- The sinoatrial node functions as the natural pacemaker of the human heart.
Related Words
- heartbeat
- cardiac rhythm
- electrical impulse
- heart rate
- myocardium
- conduction system
NOUN
3. An electronic device that regulates heartbeats
A medical device that generates electrical impulses to stimulate the heart and maintain an appropriate heart rate when its natural electrical system does not function properly.
3.1. Implanted cardiac medical devices
Used in medicine to describe an electronic device implanted in or near the heart to monitor and regulate heart rhythm by delivering electrical stimulation when necessary.
Synonyms
- cardiac pacemaker
- heart pacemaker
- artificial pacemaker
Examples
- The patient relied on a pacemaker to regulate their heartbeat.
- The surgeon skillfully implanted the pacemaker to support the patient's cardiac function.
- The elderly gentleman's heart health was carefully monitored with a reliable pacemaker.
- An advanced pacemaker helped improve the patient's quality of life.