pulsation
UK: pʌlˈseɪʃən | US: pʌlˈseɪʃən
n. a rhythmic throbbing or vibrating movement, typically of the heart or arteries
n. a single beat or throb in such a series
n. (physics) a periodic variation in a quantity, such as pressure or electric current
pulsation = puls<beat> + ation<noun suffix>
- puls (from Latin pulsus, past participle of pellere meaning "to beat, drive")
- ation (a suffix forming nouns indicating an action or process, from Latin -atio)
Etymology Origin:
The word pulsation traces back to the Latin pulsatio, derived from pulsare ("to beat repeatedly"), which itself comes from pellere ("to drive or strike"). The core idea of rhythmic beating or driving force has persisted through its evolution into English, retaining its connection to repetitive motion, whether in biology (heartbeats) or physics (wave oscillations).
The doctor checked the patient's wrist for any irregular pulsation.
The pulsation of the engine could be felt through the floor.
Ancient astronomers observed the pulsation of variable stars.
The music had a strong pulsation that made everyone dance.
The pulsation of the blood flow was measured using a Doppler device.