English · Body & Health
pulse
/pʌls/
[/pʌls/]
heartbeat rhythm
Beginnernoun
Definition
The regular beating of the arteries as blood is pumped through them, felt at the wrist or neck.
Example
The nurse pressed two fingers to his wrist to check his pulse before the operation.
The nurse pressed two fingers to his wrist to check his pulse before the operation.
Etymology
From Latin 'pulsus', meaning 'a beating', from 'pellere' (to drive, push).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in medical checks and figuratively, as in 'the pulse of the city'.