/ ˈhɑːtbiːt; NAmE ˈhɑːrt-/ noun
1.
[ C , U ] the movement or sound of the heart as it sends blood around the body :
a rapid / regular heartbeat
2.
[ sing. ] the ~ of sth ( NAmE ) an important feature of sth, that is responsible for making it what it is :
The candidate said that he understood the heartbeat of the Hispanic community in California.
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IDIOMS
- a heartbeat away (from sth)
- in a heartbeat