§ 398. Definitions. Whenever used in this article:

1. The term "employer" means the state university of New York, the board of higher education of the city of New York, or a community college established and operated under article one hundred twenty-six of this chapter.

2. The term "employee" means a person employed by the state university, the board of higher education of the city of New York, or a community college established and operated under article one hundred twenty-six of this chapter.

3. The term "comptroller" means the comptroller of the state of New York with respect to the state university or the appropriate fiscal officer with respect to other employers.

4. The term "salary" means that amount fixed by or pursuant to law and paid by or for an employer to an employee as compensation for services rendered by the employee to the employer.

5. The term "insurer" means a life insurance corporation or other corporation subject to department of financial services supervision.