palpitation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a rapid and irregular heart beat
  2. noun a shaky motion
    quiver; quivering; vibration; trembling; shakiness; shaking.
    • the shaking of his fingers as he lit his pipe

WordNet

Pal`pi*ta"tion noun
Etymology
L. palpitatio: cf. F. palpitation.
Definitions
  1. A rapid pulsation; a throbbing; esp., an abnormal, rapid beating of the heart as when excited by violent exertion, strong emotion, or by disease.

Webster 1913