pulsation

noun

pul·​sa·​tion ˌpəl-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce pulsation (audio)
1
: rhythmical throbbing or vibrating (as of an artery)
also : a single beat or throb
2
: a periodically recurring alternate increase and decrease of a quantity (such as pressure, volume, or voltage)

Examples of pulsation in a Sentence

you should press against the artery in your wrist and count the pulsations to calculate your heart rate
Recent Examples on the Web The silicone bristles are extremely pliable, and it’s recommended to gently use circular motions as the 8,000 pulsations per minute penetrate the skin. Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 11 Oct. 2024 Most watches only feature one pulsation scale, but this supposedly unique 5970 features two, one for 15 beats and another for 30. Thomas Wojtowicz, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 Photograph: Courtesy of the Caltech Archives and Special Collections Measurements of H0 improved as astronomers got better at calibrating the relationship between Cepheids’ pulsation frequency and their luminosity. Liz Kruesi, WIRED, 8 Sep. 2024 How to use: After wetting your face, apply cleanser directly to the tool and turn it on to activate the sonic pulsations. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 8 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pulsation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pulsation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English pulsacioun, borrowed from Medieval Latin pulsātiōn-, pulsātiō, going back to Latin, "repeated striking, knocking (on a door)," from pulsāre "to strike with repeated blows, beat, (in passive) beat wildly (of the heart)" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at pulsate

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of pulsation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near pulsation

Cite this Entry

“Pulsation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pulsation. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

pulsation

noun
pul·​sa·​tion ˌpəl-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce pulsation (audio)
: a rhythmic vibrating or expanding and contracting movement or action (as of an artery)
also : a single throb of such movement

Medical Definition

pulsation

noun
pul·​sa·​tion ˌpəl-ˈsā-shən How to pronounce pulsation (audio)
1
: rhythmic throbbing or vibrating (as of an artery)
also : a single beat or throb
2
: a periodically recurring alternate increase and decrease of a quantity (as pressure, volume, or voltage)

More from Merriam-Webster on pulsation

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