defibrillator

[dee-fahy-bruh-ley-ter, -fib-ruh-]

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. an agent or device for arresting fibrillation of the atrial or ventricular muscles of the heart.

defibrillator

/ dɪˈfaɪbrɪˌleɪtə, -ˈfɪb- /

noun

1. med an apparatus for stopping fibrillation of the heart by application of an electric current to the chest wall or directly to the heart

Word History and Origins

Origin of defibrillator¹

First recorded in 1955–60; de- + fibrill(ation) + -ator

Example Sentences

He said he carried out chest compressions but there were "no signs of any breathing" and was concerned at how long it was taking for the defibrillator to arrive.

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He hooked up the unresponsive athlete to the automatic defibrillator.

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All road users are being encouraged to learn the basics and know how to use a defibrillator in an emergency.

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The 16-cap Wales player remembers waking up after the defibrillator was used and could hear people talking to him, but was unable to respond.

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The video stream will also be used to coach bystanders on how to use defibrillators correctly.

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