A1 noun Neutral

pulse

/pʌls/

The pulse is the regular beat of the heart as it pumps blood through the body. You can usually feel it by pressing your fingers against your wrist or neck.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The doctor checked my pulse to see if my heart was beating normally.

The doctor checked my pulse to see if my heart was beating normally.

2

The medical report indicates that the patient's pulse is stable and strong.

The medical report indicates that the patient's pulse is stable and strong.

3

Whoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!

Whoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!

Word Family

Noun
pulse
Verb
pulsate
Adjective
pulsating
Related
pulsation
💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'Pulse' and 'Press' both start with 'P'—you must press your skin to find your pulse.

Quick Quiz

The nurse put her fingers on my wrist to feel my ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pulse

Examples

1

The doctor checked my pulse to see if my heart was beating normally.

everyday

The doctor checked my pulse to see if my heart was beating normally.

2

The medical report indicates that the patient's pulse is stable and strong.

formal

The medical report indicates that the patient's pulse is stable and strong.

3

Whoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!

informal

Whoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!

4

The study measures how caffeine consumption affects the resting pulse of adults.

academic

The study measures how caffeine consumption affects the resting pulse of adults.

5

We need to keep a finger on the pulse of the healthcare industry's new trends.

business

We need to keep a finger on the pulse of the healthcare industry's new trends.

Word Family

Noun
pulse
Verb
pulsate
Adjective
pulsating
Related
pulsation

Common Collocations

check a pulse check a pulse
rapid pulse rapid pulse
weak pulse weak pulse
resting pulse resting pulse
find a pulse find a pulse

Common Phrases

take someone's pulse

to measure the heart rate of a person

finger on the pulse

to be aware of the latest developments

pulse rate

the number of heartbeats per minute

Often Confused With

pulse vs pause

A 'pause' is a temporary stop in action, while a 'pulse' is a rhythmic beat.

pulse vs impulse

An 'impulse' is a sudden urge to do something, whereas 'pulse' refers to the heartbeat.

📝

Usage Notes

In a medical context, 'pulse' almost always refers to the physical heartbeat. In general English, it can also refer to the 'rhythm' or 'energy' of a place or situation.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes use 'heartbeat' and 'pulse' interchangeably; while related, 'pulse' specifically refers to the tactile throb felt in the arteries.

💡

Memory Tip

Remember that 'Pulse' and 'Press' both start with 'P'—you must press your skin to find your pulse.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'pulsus', meaning a beating, blow, or push.

Grammar Patterns

countable noun usually used with 'the' or possessive adjectives like 'my', 'his', 'her'
🌍

Cultural Context

Checking the pulse is a universal first step in emergency first aid and traditional medicine across the world.

Quick Quiz

The nurse put her fingers on my wrist to feel my ___.

Correct!

The correct answer is: pulse

Related Grammar Rules

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