Definition of pulse

The word "pulse" has origins in both Latin and English. In Latin, the word "pulsa" meant "beating" or "throbbing," which referred to the beating of the heart. This Latin word evolved into the Old French word "puls," meaning "throb" or "pulse." In Old English, the word for "pulse" was "ār" or "gnīð," which referred specifically to pulse crops such as peas, lentils, and beans. As trade routes opened between England and the Mediterranean, new pulse crops such as chickpeas, kidney beans, and fava beans became introduced, and a need arose to distinguish these legumes from the native English crops. The Old French word "puls" entered the English language as "pyxse," meaning "pulse crops." This Frenchisms persisted in English until the 16th century, at which time it fell out of use. In the late 17th century, "pyxse" reappeared in English text, this time as "pulse," meaning not just pulse crops, but any edible legume like lentils and peas as well. Ultimately, the modern usage of the word "pulse" includes both legumes and the beating of the heart. The two interpretations are related, however, as the pulsing of the heart aids in the transportation of nutrients throughout the body, including to the places where legumes are grown.