Definition of "defibrillator" [defibrillator]

• An electrical device used to counteract fibrillation of the heart muscle and restore normal heartbeat by applying a brief electric shock. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "If an automated external defibrillator is available, people assisting a cardiac-arrest patient should attach the device to the victim and follow its instructions."
• "In 2008, the heart group said untrained bystanders or those unwilling to do rescue breaths could do hands-only CPR until paramedics arrive or a defibrillator is used to restore a normal heart beat."
• "Dr. Wilkoff also said CRT devices are typically implanted with an additional feature called a defibrillator that delivers a shock to prevent a different electrical disturbance, such as a runaway heartbeat called ventricular fibrillation."