/pul"sayt/ , v.i. , pulsated, pulsating .
1. to expand and contract rhythmically, as the heart; beat; throb.
2. to vibrate; quiver.
[ 1785-95; pulsatus, ptp. of pulsare to batter, strike, make (strings) vibrate. See PULSE 1 , -ATE 1 ]
Syn. 1. pulse. PULSATE, BEAT, PALPITATE, THROB refer to the recurrent vibratory movement of the heart, the pulse, etc. To PULSATE is to move in a definite rhythm, temporarily or for a longer duration: Blood pulsates in the arteries. To BEAT is to repeat a vibration or pulsation regularly for some time: One's heart beats many times a minute. To PALPITATE is to beat at a rapid rate, often producing a flutter: to palpitate with excitement. To THROB is to beat with an unusual force that is often associated with pain or heightened emotion or sensation: to throb with terror.