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impulse Definition

im·pulse (im′puls′)

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
  3. Elec. a momentary surge in one direction of voltage or current
  4. 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
  5. Physiol. the progressive wave of excitation over a muscle or nerve fiber, which causes or inhibits activity in the body

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

impulse Synonyms

impulse

n.

  1. An impelling force

    push, thrust, surge, impetus, throb, vibration, pulse, pulsation, pressure, augmentation, rush, motivation, actuation, stimulus, incentive, impulsion, propulsion, stroke, momentum, shove, shock, bump, movement; see also beat 2, incentive.

  2. A sudden urge

    fancy, whim, caprice, motive, spontaneity, drive, appeal, notion, inclination, disposition, bent, vagary, freak, wish, whimsy, inspiration, hunch, flash, thought, extemporization; see also desire 1, inclination 1.

impulse Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • transmit: Failure to transmit nerve impulses ultimately results in paralysis of the louse.
  • resist: Some interpreters may have to resist the impulse to reassure, or tell the client to be strong.
  • suppress: Mode of Action Nitrous oxide suppresses spinal impulses and may supress supraspinal pathways.
  • convey: Click the image for a large version Neurons in those segments then convey the impulses outward beyond the cord.
  • trigger: Intention is a powerful force; it begins to activate the nervous system and triggers nerve impulses into muscles.

Adjective modifier

  • electrical: The electrical impulses form the " machine code routines " which drive his muscles.
  • irresistible: And suddenly his littleness was intolerable, his aspiration was intolerable, and there came to him an irresistible impulse to pray.
  • murderous: I understand you have a hearing tomorrow where you'll have to testify to these murderous impulses of yours.
  • sudden: Sudden impulse which comes " out of the blue " .
  • suicidal: How are they to be saved from this suicidal impulse?
  • nervous: The basis remains that no cell or organ can function correctly without its full supply of nervous impulses.

Modifies a noun

  • buying: Gift giving is an area where impulse buying is a frequent occurrence.
  • conduction: Areas of demyelination, and of axonal loss, interrupt impulse conduction along nerve tracts.
  • response: Hence, the input impulse response will consist of a series of pulses of finite width.
  • purchase: You are more likely to sell to a buyer who is making an impulse purchase who doesnât have many requirements already in mind.
  • ventilation: Inevitably, with all the significant benefits, impulse ventilation systems for car parks are here to stay.
  • turbine: A Pelton Wheel is an impulse turbine in which pairs of cup-shaped buckets are mounted around a wheel.

Noun used with modifier

  • nerve: The nerve impulses cause the muscles to contract, thus narrowing the airway.
  • reverb: Reverb - SIR reverb usually with a plate or hall reverb impulse.
  • input: Hence, the input impulse response will consist of a series of pulses of finite width.