Beat of peas, for example (5)

I believe the answer is:

pulse

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'beat' is the definition.
(I know that pulse is a type of beat)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pulse that I've seen before include "edible seeds of leguminous plants!" , "Edible seed from various pod plants" , "beats reading!" , "Bustle" , "Seed of bean or pea plant" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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