pulse

/pʌls/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: pulses · pulsing · pulsed

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A normally regular beat felt when arteries near the skin (for example, at the neck or wrist) are depressed, caused by the heart pumping blood through them; the qualitative nature of this beat.

Noun

Examples

Her pulse was thready and weak.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

The rate of this beat as an indication of a person's health.

Noun

Examples

Her pulse was 110 at 8 a.m.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To emit or impel (something) in pulses or waves.

Verb

Examples

Though a light of love she swimmeth, / Zoned with utterless desire, / And the air of her swift coming / Through thy hot veins pulseth fire.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

To give to (something, especially a cell culture) an (increased) amount of a substance, such as a drug or an isotopic label, over a short time.

Verb

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “pulse” mean?

A normally regular beat felt when arteries near the skin (for example, at the neck or wrist) are depressed, caused by the heart pumping blood through them; the qualitative nature of this beat.

Is “pulse” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.