heartbeat Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun the rhythmic contraction and expansion of the arteries with each beat of the heart
   beat; pulsation; pulse.
   
   • he could feel the beat of her heart
2. noun a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
   instant; wink; blink of an eye; flash; New York minute; twinkling; jiffy; split second; trice.
   
   • if I had the chance I'd do it in a flash
3. noun an animating or vital unifying force
   
   • New York is the commercial heartbeat of America

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