impulse

The electrical discharge that travels along a nerve fiber.

“they demonstrated the transmission of impulses from the cortex to the hypothalamus”

An impelling force or strength.

A sudden desire.

“he bought it on an impulse”

The act of applying force suddenly.

“the impulse knocked him over”

An instinctive motive.

“profound religious impulses”

(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients).