Impulse

[im-puhls] /ˈɪm pʌls/

noun
1.
the influence of a particular feeling, mental state, etc.:
to act under a generous impulse; to strike out at someone from an angry impulse.
2.
sudden, involuntary inclination prompting to action:
to be swayed by impulse.
3.
an instance of this.
4.
a psychic drive or instinctual urge.
5.
an action or force, driving onward or inducing motion.
6.
the effect of an force; motion induced; impetus given.
7.
Physiology. a progressive wave of excitation over a nerve or muscle fiber, having either a stimulating or inhibitory effect.
8.
Mechanics. the product of the average force acting upon a body and the time during which it acts, equivalent to the change in the momentum of the body produced by such a force.
9.
Electricity. a single, usually sudden, flow of current in one direction.
adjective
10.
marked by or acting on impulse:
an impulse buyer.
11.
bought or acquired on impulse:
To reduce expenses, shun impulse items when shopping.
/ˈɪmpʌls/
noun
1.
an impelling force or motion; thrust; impetus
2.
a sudden desire, whim, or inclination: I bought it on an impulse
3.
an instinctive drive; urge
4.
tendency; current; trend
5.
(physics)

6.
(physiol) See nerve impulse
7.
(electronics) a less common word for pulse1 (sense 2)
8.
on impulse, spontaneously or impulsively
n.

early 15c., “an act of impelling, a thrust, push,” from Latin impulsus “a push against, pressure, shock,” also “incitement, instigation, impulse,” past participle of impellere (see impel). Meaning “stimulus in the mind arising from some state or feeling” first recorded 1640s.

impulse im·pulse (ĭm’pŭls’)
n.

impulse
(ĭm’pŭls’)