1741, back-formation from pulsation, from Latin pulsatus, past participle of pulsare "to beat against, strike upon" (see pulsation). Related: Pulsated; pulsating; pulsatile.
pulsate pul·sate (pŭl'sāt')
v. pul·sat·ed, pul·sat·ing, pul·sates
To expand and contract rhythmically; beat.