pulse1

 
Pronunciation: /pʌls/

noun

  • 1a rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them, typically as felt in the wrists or neck: the doctor found a faint pulse the idea was enough to set my pulse racing
  • each successive throb of the arteries or heart.
  • 2a single vibration or short burst of sound, electric current, light, or other wave: a pulse of gamma rays [as modifier]: a pulse generator
  • a musical beat or other regular rhythm.
  • 3the central point of energy and organization in an area or activity: those close to the financial and economic pulse maintain that there have been fundamental changes
  • 4 Biochemistry a measured amount of an isotopic label given to a culture of cells.

verb

  • 1 [no object] throb rhythmically; pulsate: a knot of muscles at the side of his jaw pulsed
  • 2 [with object] modulate (a wave or beam) so that it becomes a series of pulses: the current was pulsed (as adjective pulsed) pulsed outputs
  • apply a pulsed signal to (a device): a loudspeaker pulsed by a capacitor discharge
  • Biochemistryshort for pulse-label.

Phrases

feel (or take) the pulse of

determine the heart rate of (someone) by feeling and timing the pulsation of an artery: a nurse came in and took his pulse
ascertain the general mood or opinion of: the conference will be an opportunity to feel the pulse of those working in the field

Derivatives

pulseless

adjective

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin pulsus 'beating', from pellere 'to drive, beat'