impulse

Pronunciation

• IPA ^(key): /ˈɪmpʌls/

• Audio (US)

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• Hyphenation: im‧pulse

Noun

Singular impulse

Plural impulses

1. A desire to do something.
   • Synonym: desire

   The impulse to learn led me to study day and night.

2. A thrust; a push; a sudden force.

   Pushing an object gives it an impulse.

3. (physics) The effect (integral) of force over time.
   • Synonym: force

   The total impulse from the impact will depend on the kinetic energy of the bullet.

Related words

• impulsive
• impulsiveness