What does pulse mean?
A pulse is the regular throbbing or beating associated with the heartbeat, especially when detected in an artery. By extension, it can describe any rhythmic movement or vibration, such as the pulse of a flashing light or a recurring electronic signal. In figurative use, “the pulse of” something means its prevailing character, mood, or direction: writers speak of the pulse of public opinion, the market, or a particular community. As a verb, pulse means to beat or throb regularly and can also mean to transmit information through short, distinct signals. The word is useful because it links a precise physical process with broader ideas of rhythm, movement, and change. Its figurative senses suggest not merely a single event but an ongoing pattern that can be monitored or sensed.
A regular throbbing or beating, especially of an artery synchronized with the heartbeat; also a brief signal emitted in a distinct beat or flash.
"The machine sent a pulse through the wire, and the receiver registered it."
The figurative sense “the pulse of” denotes a prevailing trend, outlook, or characteristic of a group, place, or period.
To beat or throb rhythmically, or to transmit or signal with brief, distinct emissions.
"The indicator pulsed steadily as the machine completed its cycle."
The verb is common in technical descriptions of light, sound, electronic signals, and rhythmic movement.
The standard plural of the noun is “pulses,” as in “the pulses of the signal” or “her pulses quickened.”
"The monitor recorded two pulses from the sensor."
The word pulse comes from the same Latin root found in expel and impel: to drive or beat.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pulse come from?
The English word comes from Latin pulsus, a form associated with pellere, meaning “to beat” or “to drive.” The noun originally referred to the beating of the heart and the corresponding movement in an artery. Latin forms related to pellere also underlie English words such as expel, impel, compulsion, and expulsion, making pulse part of a wider family of words concerning force, movement, and urging.
Related word forms
How pulse is actually used
In medical contexts, pulse generally refers to the palpable arterial beat and is related to, but not identical with, heart rate. The noun is also widely used metaphorically for a recurring signal, trend, or collective outlook; that extended use is common in journalism, politics, and business writing.
Easily confused with pulse
A pulse is a rhythmic beat or signal, whereas a poll is a survey, vote, or the result of asking people's opinions.