heartbeat meaning and definition

HEARTBEAT noun

Definition of heartbeat (noun)

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