Dicrotism

/ˈdɪkroʊtɪzəm/ noun

Definition

A medical condition where the pulse shows a double beat or wave during each heartbeat cycle.

Etymology

From Greek 'dikrot-' (double beat) + '-ism' (condition or state). Coined in medical terminology as physicians developed more sophisticated pulse examination techniques.

Kelly Says

Dicrotism can indicate fever, heart disease, or other serious conditions—it was one of the first subtle things doctors learned to detect just by feeling a patient's wrist!

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