[syn: pacer, pacemaker, pacesetter]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
pacemaker \pacemaker\ n. (Physiol. & Anat.)
1. a specialized bit of heart tissue that controls the
heartbeat.
Syn: cardiac pacemaker, sinoatrial node.
[WordNet 1.5]
2. An implanted electronic device that takes over the
function of the natural cardiac pacemaker[1]; -- used to
assist people whose heartbeat is irregular.
Syn: artificial pacemaker.
[WordNet 1.5]
3. A horse used to set the pace in racing.
Syn: pacer, pacesetter.
[WordNet 1.5]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
pacemaker
n 1: a leading instance in its field; "the new policy will be a
pacesetter in community relations" [syn: pacesetter,
pacemaker]
2: a specialized bit of heart tissue that controls the heartbeat
[syn: pacemaker, cardiac pacemaker, sinoatrial node,
SA node]
3: an implanted electronic device that takes over the function
of the natural cardiac pacemaker [syn: pacemaker,
artificial pacemaker]
4: a horse used to set the pace in racing [syn: pacer,
pacemaker, pacesetter]