noun

defibrillator

dee-FIB-rih-lay-ter/diːˈfɪbrɪleɪtər/

A device that uses an electric shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.

The paramedic uses a defibrillator to restore the patient's heart rhythm.

A portable defibrillator connected by two adhesive chest pads to a supine adult patient, with a rescuer keeping clear and pressing the shock button.

Etymology

defibrillatorEnglishstopping abnormal heart contractions

The device name was probably based on defibrillation, meaning stopping fibrillation. It names an instrument whose shock stops the heart’s irregular contractions so that a normal rhythm can resume.

In context

Houndstooth Studios10:36

doctors implanted both a pacemaker and a defibrillator to jump start Matt's heart when it stops

The Blake | Full Award-Winning Documentary Short About a Challenger Shuttle Bus

More examples

The airport keeps a defibrillator in a clearly marked cabinet.
An automated defibrillator gives spoken instructions to the person using it.
Hospital staff check the defibrillators regularly to ensure they work.

Forms

defibrillator · defibrillators

defibrillate verb — Restore normal heart rhythm using an electric shock.

defibrillation noun — Restoration of normal heart rhythm by electric shock.

Similar words

AED: An automated defibrillator that analyzes heart rhythm and guides users.