Palpitation
/ˌpæl.pɪˈteɪ.ʃən/noun
A rapid, strong, or irregular beating sensation of the heart.
Did you know?The word comes from Latin palpitare, meaning “to flutter” or “throb,” a vivid description that could apply to a beating heart, a trembling muscle, or a quivering object.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
palpare
“to touch, stroke, or feel gently”
Classical Latin
Latin
palpitare
“to flutter, tremble, or throb; a frequentative form related to palpare”
Late Latin
Latin
palpitatio
“a fluttering, trembling, or throbbing”
17th Century
English
palpitation
“a throbbing or unusually rapid beating, especially of the heart”
Modern English
English
palpitation
“a noticeable rapid, strong, or irregular heartbeat”