pacer
/ˈpeɪsər/
NOUN
1. A person who sets or maintains the pace
A person who establishes, controls, or maintains the speed of an activity, race, or group, helping others regulate their progress or performance.
1.1. Racing and athletic competitions
Used for a runner or athlete who leads a race or maintains a specific speed to help other competitors regulate their pace and achieve their performance goals.
Synonyms
- pacemaker
- pacesetter
- leader
- pace-setter
Antonyms
- follower
- imitator
Examples
- The coach identified him as the team's most reliable pacer during long-distance runs.
- The experienced pacer helped the runners maintain a consistent speed throughout the marathon.
Related Words
1.2. Leadership and innovation
Used figuratively for a person or organization that leads others by introducing new ideas, establishing standards, pioneering developments, or influencing the direction of an industry.
Synonyms
- bellwether
- foregoer
- forerunner
- groundbreaker
- harbinger
- herald
- innovator
- leader
- pacemaker
- pacesetter
- pioneer
- precursor
- trendsetter
Antonyms
- Johnny-come-lately
- follower
- imitator
- me-tooer
Examples
- The company became a pacer in the development of renewable energy technology.
- The innovative organization established itself as a pacer in its industry.
- She was recognized as a pacer whose ideas influenced future generations of researchers.
Related Words
- trailblazer
- initiator
- visionary
- pathfinder
- originator
- vanguard
- trendsetter
NOUN
2. A horse with a distinctive racing gait
A horse trained or used for harness racing that moves with a lateral gait in which the front and hind legs on the same side move forward together.
2.1. Harness racing
Used in harness racing to identify a horse that races using a pacing gait, moving its legs in lateral pairs rather than the diagonal pattern characteristic of a trotter.
Synonyms
- pacing horse
Antonyms
- trotter
Examples
- The pacer maintained its distinctive lateral gait throughout the harness race.
- The trainer selected a young pacer for the upcoming competition.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A device that regulates rhythm or pace
A device or mechanism that establishes, controls, or regulates the timing or rhythm of an activity or process.
3.1. Medical and cardiac regulation
Used to refer to a pacemaker, particularly an electronic medical device that regulates heart rhythm by delivering electrical impulses when needed.
Synonyms
- pacemaker
- cardiac pacemaker
- heart pacemaker
Examples
- The patient's pacer helped maintain a regular heartbeat.
- The cardiologist checked the implanted pacer during the routine examination.
Related Words
- heartbeat
- cardiac rhythm
- electrical impulse
- arrhythmia
- electrode
- cardiology
NOUN
4. A mechanical pencil
A pencil that uses a replaceable thin graphite lead advanced mechanically rather than requiring sharpening.
4.1. Writing instruments
Used as another name for a mechanical pencil, a reusable writing instrument that advances graphite lead through a mechanical mechanism.
Synonyms
- mechanical pencil
- propelling pencil
- clutch pencil
Examples
- She used a pacer to write precise notes during the lecture.
- The student replaced the lead in his mechanical pacer before the examination.
Related Words
- pencil
- graphite
- lead
- writing instrument
- pencil lead
- refill