impulse

The definition of an impulse is a strong urge or unexplainable urge.

(noun)

See impulse in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

1. an impelling, or driving forward with sudden force
2. an impelling force; sudden, driving force; push; thrust; impetus
3. the motion or effect caused by such a force
1. incitement to action arising from a state of mind or some external stimulus
2. a sudden inclination to act, usually without premeditation
3. a motive or tendency coming from within: prompted by an impulse of curiosity
Elec. a momentary surge in one direction of voltage or current
Mech. the change in momentum effected by a force, measured by multiplying the average value of the force by the time during which it acts
Physiol. the progressive wave of excitation over a muscle or nerve fiber, which causes or inhibits activity in the body

Origin: L impulsus < pp. of impellere: see impel

See impulse in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. An impelling force; an impetus.
b. The motion produced by such a force.
A sudden wish or urge that prompts an unpremeditated act or feeling; an abrupt inclination: had an impulse to run away; an impulse of regret that made me hesitate; bought a hat on impulse.
A motivating force or tendency: “Respect for the liberty of others is not a natural impulse in most men” (Bertrand Russell).
Electronics A surge of electrical power in one direction.
Physics The product obtained by multiplying the average value of a force by the time during which it acts. The impulse equals the change in momentum produced by the force in this time interval.
Physiology The electrochemical transmission of a signal along a nerve fiber that produces an excitatory or inhibitory response at a target tissue, such as a muscle or another nerve.