pulsimeter

A doctor uses a pulsimeter to check a patient's pulse.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An instrument for measuring the pulse: A "pulsimeter" is a device used to detect and quantify the rate, rhythm, and strength of the heartbeat, typically by sensing arterial pulsations.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor used a pulsimeter to check the patient's heart rate during the examination. (A device for measuring pulse.)
  • Modern pulsimeters are often digital and can store data for later analysis. (Electronic instruments for pulse measurement.)

Advanced Usage

• "to take a reading with a pulsimeter": to use the device to obtain a pulse measurement.

  • The nurse took a reading with a pulsimeter and recorded the beats per minute. (She measured the patient's pulse using the instrument.)

• "pulsimeter accuracy": the degree to which the device correctly measures the pulse.

  • The accuracy of this pulsimeter is within one beat per minute. (The device's precision in measuring heart rate.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pulse (n): the rhythmic expansion of arteries caused by the heartbeat.

  • His pulse was weak and irregular. (The heartbeat felt at the wrist or neck.)

• Pulsation (n): a single beat or throb of the pulse.

  • The pulsations were strong and steady. (Each individual heartbeat.)

• Pulsimeter (n): no common variants; the word is a technical term.

Synonyms

• Sphygmomanometer: a device for measuring blood pressure, sometimes used to estimate pulse rate.

  • The sphygmomanometer gave a pulse reading along with blood pressure. (A related medical instrument.)

• Heart rate monitor: a device that tracks the heart's beats per minute.

  • The athlete wore a heart rate monitor during training. (A modern equivalent for continuous pulse measurement.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Take a pulse: to measure the pulse using any method.

  • The nurse took his pulse with a pulsimeter. (Used the device to measure heart rate.)

• Check the pulse: to verify the presence and quality of the heartbeat.

  • She checked his pulse with the pulsimeter after the exercise. (Used the instrument to assess cardiac activity.)

Related Idioms

• "Have one's finger on the pulse": to be aware of current trends or developments (not directly about the device).

  • As a tech journalist, she always has her finger on the pulse of innovation. (Figurative: staying informed.)

• "Pulse of the nation": the general mood or opinion of a country.

  • The election results reflect the pulse of the nation. (Figurative: collective sentiment.)