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

Paramedics attempted to keep the actor alive using a defibrillator, but he died at the scene before they could take him to hospital, he said.

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Paramedics shocked Adam with a defibrillator seven times on the journey from his home to hospital.

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Or needs a defibrillator to shock the system back to a healthier pulse.

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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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