pulse

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[[t]pʌls[/t]]

n. v. pulsed, puls•ing

1) phl the regular throbbing of the arteries, caused by the successive contractions of the heart, esp. as may be felt at an artery, as at the wrist

2) phl a single pulsation of the arteries or heart

3) a stroke, vibration, or undulation, or a rhythmic series of these

4) the prevailing attitudes or sentiments, as of the public

5) elm a momentary, sudden fluctuation in an electrical quantity, as in voltage or current

6) phs a single, abrupt emission of particles or radiation

7) to beat or throb; pulsate

8) to vibrate or undulate

9) phs to emit particles or radiation periodically in short bursts

10) to cause to pulse

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Etymology: 1375–1425; MEpuls< L pulsus beating, striking, pulse, der. (with -tus suffix of v. action) of pellere to beat, strike II

pulse

[[t]pʌls[/t]] n.

1) pln the edible seeds of certain leguminous plants, as peas or beans

2) pln a plant producing such seeds

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Etymology: 1250–1300; ME puls (< OFpouls) < L: porridge of spelt or another grain. Cf. poultice