heartbeat

Definitions

heart + beat = one beat of the heart. From this literal pulse comes a figurative use: the heartbeat of a city or movement is its vital, energizing center, as if it were the thing keeping it alive. The idiom 'in a heartbeat' means instantly — in the time of a single beat.

Common Collocations

• 1.a rapid heartbeat心跳加速
• 2.an irregular heartbeat心跳不规律
• 3.in a heartbeat一瞬间，毫不犹豫
• 4.the heartbeat of……的命脉

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The nurse counted his heartbeats while checking his pulse.

• 2.

  Small farmers are the heartbeat of this rural community.

• 3.

  If they offered me the job, I'd take it in a heartbeat.