1. In biology and medicine:
* Pulses: Refers to the rhythmic beating of the heart, which can be felt at various points in the body, like the wrist or neck. This is often used when measuring a person's heart rate.
* Pulse wave: The wave of pressure that travels through the arteries with each heartbeat. This is a more technical term used in medicine and physiology.
2. In cooking and food:
* Pulses: Refers to the dried seeds of legumes, including beans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas. These are often used in vegetarian and vegan cuisine for their high protein and fiber content.
3. In music:
* Pulses: A rhythmic unit that is repeated at regular intervals. It's the basic building block of a musical beat, similar to a metronome click.
4. In general usage:
* Pulses: Can sometimes be used as a synonym for "beats" or "throbs" in a more informal sense. For example, "My heart pulsed with excitement."
To understand the specific meaning of "pulses" in a particular context, consider the surrounding words and the overall topic being discussed.