ˌpəlˈsāshən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin pulsation-, pulsatio, from pulsatus (past participle of pulsare to beat, strike) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at push
1.
a. : a beating or throbbing especially of the heart or of an artery
b. : a single beat of the heart or pulse
2.
a. : rhythmical throbbing, contraction and expansion, moving, vibration, or undulation
long heavy pulsation of aeroplanes passing over — Angela Thirkell
a pulsation of the star as a whole — Leon Campbell & L.G.Jacchia
at low frequencies, such as 10 per sec., pulsation is sensed rather than vibration — R.S.Woodworth
a slow pulsation , like the quiver of invisible wings, in the air — Ellen Glasgow
b. : a distinct step in such a series of rhythmical movements : beat , vibration
two pulsations of continental glaciation — J.C.Frye & A.B.Leonard
the island was elevated in a series of pulsations — D.J.Miller
in the course of these pulsations in dominance the male may not actually move up the social scale — W.C.Allee
the pulsations of its engine had died away — Arnold Bennett
3. : a periodically recurring alternate increase and decrease of pressure, volume, voltage, or other quantity
4. Roman law : a touching of another's body willfully or in anger