defibrillator

noun

de·​fi·​bril·​la·​tor (ˌ)dē-ˈfi-brə-ˌlā-tər How to pronounce defibrillator (audio)
: an electronic device that applies an electric shock to restore the rhythm of a fibrillating heart
defibrillate transitive verb
defibrillation noun

Examples of defibrillator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After his cardiac arrest, J.J. got a pacemaker that is also a defibrillator, to spare future close calls. Wendy Grossman Kantor, Peoplemag, 29 June 2024 Patients also can get procedures such as the implantation of pacemakers and defibrillators, as well as cardiac ablation treatments to reduce arrhythmia episodes. Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 17 June 2024 The sultry crooner, whose medical history includes cardiac disease, a defibrillator, and stents, was transported to the emergency room in an ambulance in April of 2023 after presenting with difficulty breathing and chest pain and placed on oxygen. Rayna Reid Rayford, Essence, 18 June 2024 Morris has a history of cardiac disease, including stents and a defibrillator. Sara Powers, CBS News, 12 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for defibrillator 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'defibrillator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of defibrillator was in 1952

Dictionary Entries Near defibrillator

Cite this Entry

“Defibrillator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/defibrillator. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Medical Definition

defibrillator

noun
de·​fi·​bril·​la·​tor (ˈ)dē-ˈfib-rə-ˌlāt-ər How to pronounce defibrillator (audio) -ˈfīb- How to pronounce defibrillator (audio)
: an electronic device used to defibrillate a heart by applying an electric shock to it

More from Merriam-Webster on defibrillator

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!