WordValedefibrillator
a device that shocks the heart back to normal rhythm
In more detail
a machine that sends an electric shock to the heart to restore normal beating, especially when someone has had a heart attack
Examples
- The paramedics used a defibrillator to revive the patient who had suffered a cardiac arrest.
How to use defibrillator
A defibrillator is a medical device used in emergency settings or implanted in patients at risk of dangerous heart rhythms. The term is most common in medical, healthcare, and emergency response contexts. AED (automated external defibrillator) is a widely recognized abbreviation for portable versions found in public places.
Common phrases
- automated external defibrillator
- implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
- use a defibrillator
- apply defibrillator pads
- defibrillator shock
Synonyms
cardiac defibrillator · defibrillating device · shock therapy device
Word family
defibrillate (verb) · defibrillation (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse the purpose of a defibrillator (restoring normal heart rhythm) with that of a pacemaker (maintaining regular heartbeat), or mispronounce it with emphasis on the wrong syllable (de-FIB-ri-lay-tor rather than de-FIB-ri-LAY-tor).
Save this word in WordVale and it comes back for review right before you'd forget it — with pronunciation, real examples, and optional translations. One purchase, no subscription.
Get WordValeFREE 7-DAY TRIAL · iPHONE & iPAD