Impulsive, a.
Etymology: [Cf. F. impulsif.]
1. Having the power of driving or impelling; giving an impulse; moving; impellent. Poor men! poor papers! We and they Do some impulsive force obey. Prior.
2. Actuated by impulse or by transient feelings. My heart, impulsive and wayward. Longfellow.
3. (Mech.)
Acting momentarily, or by impulse; not continuous; -- said of forces.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Impulsive, n.
That which impels or gives an impulse; an impelling agent. Sir W. Wotton.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for impulsive; he lists it under spontaneous.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.
Antonyms
none given