Meaning & use

pulse

noun·Everyday

The regular beating or throbbing of arteries as blood is pumped through the body by the heart.

See it in a sentence

The nurse checked the patient's pulse to make sure his heart rate was steady.

Her pulse quickened as she waited nervously for the results of the exam.

A note on using this word

Pulse is usually measured at the wrist or neck and is commonly reported in beats per minute.

Words with a similar meaning

heartbeat

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. noun

A single short burst of sound, light, electric current, or other wave.

The radar sends out a pulse of radio waves and measures how long it takes to return.

3. noun

An edible seed of a legume plant, such as a lentil, bean, or pea.

Pulses like chickpeas and lentils are an inexpensive source of plant-based protein.

Make it your own

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