heartbeat

[hahrt-beet]

noun

Physiology.

1. a pulsation of the heart, including one complete systole and diastole.

heartbeat

/ ˈhɑːtˌbiːt /

noun

1. one complete pulsation of the heart See diastole systole

Word History and Origins

Origin of heartbeat¹

First recorded in 1840–50; heart + beat

Example Sentences

Or what it feels like to ride the slow heaving of the ocean, pulsing like the heartbeat of the world.

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Because the fetus still had a heartbeat, she was denied abortion care under South Carolina’s existing ban.

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“I think they’re not afraid to fail. They like the spotlight. And it’s just a really good heartbeat for those guys in those big moments.”

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He represents the idealism of a walk-on, which is a fresh face coming out and being the heartbeat of a team.

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In a repeat of her past experience, her lawsuit alleges, staff members told her they could not provide the care she sought due to the fetal heartbeat.

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Related Words

• pulse