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 Squadrons of dancers perform fierce choreography blending the lyricism of interpretive dance with the pulsation of hip-hop. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 16 Feb. 2024 Shown at this year’s CES, MBUX Sound Drive responds to the driver’s inputs by enhancing tracks with a suite of extra pulsations, swells, and flourishes. Laura Burstein, Robb Report, 11 Jan. 2024 This complexion-perfecting device features thermotherapy, cryotherapy, T-Sonic pulsations, and eight LED lights to perk up the look of your skin for a brighter, plumper, and more even appearance. Anamaria Glavan, Allure, 26 Nov. 2023 Henrietta Swan Leavitt developed a key method for measuring astronomical distances that is based on the pulsations of Cepheid variable stars. WIRED, 12 Nov. 2023 There are times when none of that matters — when Catán’s music and the full force of the Met’s commitment help the audience forget all the footnotes and just sink into the tropical steam and lilting pulsations. Vulture, 17 Nov. 2023 This facial tool combines microcurrent technology with sonic pulsations to give your complexion a contoured finish. Sarah Han, Allure, 6 Oct. 2023 The Cowgirl has its own app that allows the user to customize vibration, rotation, and pulsation patterns—even with the ability to save your favorite pleasure arrangements. Laura Delarato, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2023 Moaning, spanking, or even positioning your device near music will change the pulsations. Laura Delarato, Condé Nast Traveler, 1 Aug. 2023

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 19 Mar. 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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