ˌpəlˈsäməd.ə(r), -mətə- noun
Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary pulse (II) + -o- + -meter
1. : a displacement pump with valves for raising water by steam partly by atmospheric pressure and partly by the direct action of the steam on the water without intervention of a piston — called also vacuum pump
2.
a. : sphygmograph , pulsimeter
b. : a watch with special dial used by physicians in determining the pulse rate