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pacemaker (n.)

also pace-maker, 1884, "one who sets the pace for others," originally a rider or boat that sets the pace for others in training. Meaning "the node of the heart which determines the beat rate" is from 1910; sense of "man-made device for stimulating and regulating heartbeat" (short for artificial pacemaker) is from 1951. From pace (n.) + maker.

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Definitions of pacemaker from WordNet

pacemaker (n.)
a leading instance in its field;
Synonyms: pacesetter
pacemaker (n.)
a specialized bit of heart tissue that controls the heartbeat;
Synonyms: cardiac pacemaker / sinoatrial node / SA node
pacemaker (n.)
an implanted electronic device that takes over the function of the natural cardiac pacemaker;
Synonyms: artificial pacemaker
pacemaker (n.)
a horse used to set the pace in racing;
Synonyms: pacer / pacesetter
From wordnet.princeton.edu