pulse [L, pulsare, to beat] , 1. a rhythmic beating or vibrating movement. 2. a brief electromagnetic wave. 3. the regular, recurrent expansion and contraction of an artery, produced by waves of pressure caused by the ejection of blood from the left ventricle of the heart as it contracts. The pulse is easily detected on superficial arteries, such as the radial and carotid arteries, and corresponds to each beat of the heart.
