pulse 1
/puls/ , n. , v. , pulsed, pulsing .
n.
1. 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. a single pulsation, or beat or throb, of the arteries or heart.
3. the rhythmic recurrence of strokes, vibrations, or undulations.
4. a single stroke, vibration, or undulation.
5. Elect. a momentary, sudden fluctuation in an electrical quantity, as in voltage or current.
6. Physics. a single, abrupt emission of particles or radiation.
7. a throb of life, emotion, etc.
8. vitality.
9. the general attitude, sentiment, preference, etc., as of the public.
v.i.
10. to beat or throb; pulsate.
11. to beat, vibrate, or undulate.
12. Physics. to emit particles or radiation periodically in short bursts.
v.t.
13. to cause to pulse.
14. Med. to administer (medication) in interrupted, often concentrated dosages to avoid unwanted side effects.
[ 1300-50; pulsus a beat, equiv. to * peld-, base of pellere to set in motion by beating or striking (cf. IMPEL) + -tus, suffix of v. action, with dt s and backing and raising of e before velar l; r. ME pous ]
pulse 2
/puls/ , n.
1. the edible seeds of certain leguminous plants, as peas, beans, or lentils.
2. a plant producing such seeds.
[ 1250-1300; ME puls ]