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: pulse pulsation beat
2. a very short time (as the time it takes the eye 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 split second trice twinkling wink New York minute
3. an animating or vital unifying force; "New York is the commercial heartbeat of America"

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