What is a very narrow pulse called in electronics?

In electronics, a very narrow pulse is referred to as a "trigger." This term is particularly applicable in various applications, including timing circuits and sequencers. A trigger pulse usually serves the purpose of initiating an event or action, such as starting a timing sequence or activating other circuitry. The narrowness of the pulse indicates that it provides a brief, finite impulse, which is key in systems where precise timing is essential.

The other terms, while they may refer to specific types of electrical signals or phenomena, lack the precision that the term "trigger" conveys in the context of very narrow pulses. For instance, a "pulse" can vary in width and is a more general term for any signal that changes state; a "spike" usually pertains to a sudden, transient increase in voltage or current without the specific connotation related to pulse width; and a "signal" encompasses a broad range of waveform types and is not limited to just narrow pulses. Therefore, "trigger" is the best fit for describing a very narrow pulse in electronics.