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Stimulus
//ˈstɪm.jə.ləs// noun
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An external phenomenon that has an influence on a system, by triggering or modifying an internal phenomenon; for example, a spur or incentive that drives a person to take action or change behaviour.
"an economic stimulus"
- 2 any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action wordnet
- 3 Something external that elicits or influences a physiological or psychological activity or response, or that affects any of the sensory apparatuses.
"Even light nonpainful stimuli can provoke or exacerbate spontaneous pain; this is not limited to tactile, thermal, or vibratory stimuli, because auditory, visual, olfactory, and visceral stimuli also may be problematic."
- 4 A stinging part on the body of a plant or insect.
"Many plants, like many animals, are furnished with arms for their protection; these are either aculei, prickles […]; or stimuli, stings, as in the nettles, which are armed with a venomous fluid for the annoyance of naked animals."
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin stimulus (“goad, prick”).
See also for "stimulus"
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