pulse
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 5The 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.
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.
Whoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!
Whoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!
Word Family
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
The doctor checked my pulse to see if my heart was beating normally.
everydayThe doctor checked my pulse to see if my heart was beating normally.
The medical report indicates that the patient's pulse is stable and strong.
formalThe medical report indicates that the patient's pulse is stable and strong.
Whoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!
informalWhoa, my pulse is going crazy after that long run!
The study measures how caffeine consumption affects the resting pulse of adults.
academicThe study measures how caffeine consumption affects the resting pulse of adults.
We need to keep a finger on the pulse of the healthcare industry's new trends.
businessWe need to keep a finger on the pulse of the healthcare industry's new trends.
Word Family
Common Collocations
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
A 'pause' is a temporary stop in action, while a 'pulse' is a rhythmic beat.
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
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
Related Vocabulary
A stethoscope is a medical tool that doctors and nurses use...
heartThe organ in your chest that pumps blood through your body....
arteryAn artery is a muscular-walled tube forming part of the circ...
bloodAs an adjective or noun adjunct, it describes something rela...
pressureIn weather, pressure is the force of the air pushing down on...
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