a. Physiol. [f. TRI-, after DICROTIC; cf. Gr. τρίκροτος rowed with triple stroke, as a trireme.] Of the pulse or a sphygmographic tracing: Having or showing three undulations for each beat of the heart. Tricrotic wave, the third of such undulations. So Tricrotism, tricrotic condition; Tricrotous a. = tricrotic.
1876. trans. Wagner’s Gen. Pathol. (ed. 6), 630. The pulse of aged persons is tricrotic.
1877. Roberts, Handbk. Med. (ed. 3), II. 21. This form of pulsation is sometimes called tricrotous.
1890. Billings, Tricrotic wave, the third curve of the sphygmogram.
1891. Cent. Dict., Tricrotism.
1913. Dorland, Med. Dict., s.v. Pulse, Tricrotic pulse, one that is marked by three abnormally distinct sphygmographic waves to the pulse-beat.
