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Pulse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pulse

[pÊŒls ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them, typically as felt in the wrists or neck.

Synonyms

heartbeat, palpitation, rhythm.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulse

Typically refers to the regular throbbing of the arteries in response to the heartbeats, often checked to assess the heart rate or condition.

  • The nurse checked his pulse to make sure it was stable.
  • After the run, her pulse was racing.
heartbeat

Refers specifically to the beating of the heart. Often used in both medical contexts and expressive language to convey urgency or strong emotion.

  • The doctor could hear a faint heartbeat.
  • My heartbeat quickened when I saw him.
rhythm

Relates more broadly to patterns or sequences of movements or sounds. When used in a medical context, it describes the regularity or irregularity of the heart rate.

  • The drummer keeps a steady rhythm.
  • Her heart rhythm was irregular during the exam.
palpitation

Describes a noticeable and often uncomfortable awareness of the heartbeat. This term is generally used in medical or stressful situations and has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • She went to the doctor because of frequent heart palpitations.
  • I can feel palpitations in my chest when I'm anxious.

Examples of usage

  • My doctor checked my pulse to determine my heart rate.
  • The nurse felt the patient's pulse to monitor their condition.
Context #2 | Noun

general

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

Synonyms

beat, pound, throb.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulse

Highlighted for situations involving rhythmic patterns or periodic signals, especially in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The scientist measured the electromagnetic pulse from the device
  • The city's nightlife has a vibrant and lively pulse
beat

Typically used in contexts related to music, rhythm, or heartbeat. Can also refer to the rhythm of life or routine actions.

  • The drummer kept a steady beat throughout the song
  • He could feel his heart beat faster as he approached the stage
throb

Used to describe a strong, repeated beating or vibrating sensation often associated with pain, excitement, or emotional intensity.

  • His head began to throb after the long day of work
  • She felt a throb of excitement as she opened the letter
pound

Often used to describe a heavy, repetitive, and sometimes forceful sensation or action, typically in a negative or intense context.

  • My heart pounded in my chest when I heard the loud noise
  • He pounded on the door, demanding to be let in

Examples of usage

  • The pulse of the music made everyone start dancing.
  • The pulse of the machine indicated a problem.
Context #3 | Verb

medical

To check the rhythm of a pulse.

Synonyms

check, measure, monitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pulse

In addition to referring to the heartbeat, 'pulse' can also describe a regular, recurring pattern in a signal or light, such as in electronics or telecommunications.

  • Engineers analyzed the pulse of the electrical signal through the circuit.
measure

Used when determining the size, amount, or degree of something, often involving numerical values. Commonly applied in scientific, medical, or everyday contexts.

  • They need to measure the length of the new desk to see if it fits.
  • Measure the patient's blood pressure regularly.
check

Used when verifying or confirming something. It can be applied in many situations, such as checking information, health, or even verifying an action was taken.

  • Check the temperature of the water before getting in.
  • He decided to check the report for any errors.
monitor

Used when continuously observing or tracking something over time. Often implies ongoing attention or surveillance, especially in medical, technical, or security contexts.

  • Doctors will monitor the patient's condition throughout the night.
  • We need to monitor the performance of this system closely.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor pulsed the patient's wrist to monitor their heart rate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • A normal adult human pulse rate ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute when at rest.
  • Not only the heart has a pulse; sound waves and even light can exhibit pulsing frequencies.
  • Pulse signals are crucial in biology, like in plant growth patterns responding to environmental changes.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures use drumming to create a pulse that connects people during ceremonies and celebrations.
  • In music, the pulse of a song often makes people want to dance, emphasizing how rhythm affects emotions.
  • The concept of pulse extends into poetry and literature where repeated patterns create a flow or heartbeat of text.

Technology

  • In technology, pulse signals are used in various forms of data transmission, where information is sent in rhythmic bursts.
  • Pulse width modulation is a technique in electronics that varies the width of pulses to control power and signal.

Psychology

  • The rhythm of one's pulse can be linked to emotions; for instance, anxiety may increase heart rate and pulse.
  • Mindfulness practices often involve focusing on the pulse to connect the mind and body, promoting relaxation.

Origin of 'pulse'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pulse' comes from the Latin word 'pulsus', which means 'to beat or push'.
  • In Middle English, 'pulse' referred to the heartbeat and was related to both blood and rhythmic movements.
  • It has evolved in language to encompass not just the heart, but any regular rhythmic occurrence.

The word 'pulse' originated from the Latin word 'pulsus', which means a beating or throbbing. It has been used in English since the 14th century to refer to the beating of the heart or blood vessels. Over time, the term has also been extended to describe other rhythmic phenomena, such as sound waves or light waves.

See also: impulse, pulsation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,384, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.