pulsation

noun

pul·​sa·​tion ˌpəl-ˈsā-shən 

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)

Synonyms

• beat
• beating
• palpitation
• pulse
• throb

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

This compact skin-care device combines soft silicone and pulsations to break down oil, dirt, and sweat thoroughly. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

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

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

Kids Definition

pulsation

noun

pul·​sa·​tion ˌpəl-ˈsā-shən 

: 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 

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)