pulse

pulse¹ / pəls/ • n. a rhythmical throbbing of the arteries as blood is propelled through them, typically as felt in the wrists or neck: the doctor found a faint pulse. ∎  the rate of this throbbing, used to ascertain the rate of someone's heartbeat and so their state of health or emotions: the idea was enough to set my pulse racing. ∎  (usu. pulses) each successive throb of the arteries or heart. ∎  a single vibration or short burst of sound, electric current, light, or other wave: radio pulses | [as adj.] a pulse generator. ∎  a musical beat or other regular rhythm. ∎ fig. the central point of energy and organization in an area or activity: those close to the financial and economic pulse maintain that there have been fundamental changes. ∎  Biochem. a measured amount of an isotopic label given to a culture of cells. • v. [intr.] throb rhythmically; pulsate: a knot of muscles at the side of his jaw pulsed. ∎  [tr.] transmit in rhythmical beats: the sun pulsed fire into her eyes. ∎  [tr.] modulate (a wave or beam) so that it becomes a series of pulses. ∎  [tr.] apply a pulsed signal to (a device). ∎  Biochem. short for pulse-label. PHRASES: take (or feel) the pulse of determine the heart rate of (someone) by feeling and timing the pulsation of an artery: a nurse came in and took his pulse. ∎ fig. ascertain the general mood or opinion of: he hopped around the country to visit stores and take the pulse of consumers. DERIVATIVES: pulse·less adj. puls·er n. pulse² • n. (usu. pulses) the edible seeds of various leguminous plants, for example chickpeas, lentils, and beans. ∎  the plant or plants producing such seeds.