heartbeat


heart·beat

noun \ˈhärt-ˌbēt\

Definition of HEARTBEAT

1
: one complete pulsation of the heart
2
: the vital center or driving impulse
3
: a brief space of time : flash —used chiefly in the phrase in a heartbeat

Examples of HEARTBEAT

  1. The patient had a rapid heartbeat.
  2. <I'd accept a job offer from that company in a heartbeat.>

First Known Use of HEARTBEAT

1850

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