Meaning

noun (electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)

noun the rhythmic contraction and expansion of the arteries with each beat of the heart

noun the rate at which the heart beats; usually measured to obtain a quick evaluation of a person's health

originFrom Late Middle English pulse, Middle English pous, pouse (“regular beat of arteries, pulse; heartbeat; place on the body where a pulse is detectable; beat (of a musical instrument); energy, vitality”) [and other forms], from Anglo-Norman puls, pous, pus, and Middle French pouls, poulz, pous [and other forms], Old French pous, pulz (“regular beat of arteries; place on the body where a pulse is…

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0