tachycardia UK /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑː.di.ə/US /ˌtæk.ɪˈkɑɹ.di.ə/ noun1 •A rapid resting heart rate, especially one above 100 beats per minute; palpitations.The heart becomes irritable, there is nervous palpitation, or attacks of paroxysmal tachycardia. — 1896 formstachycardias