Stimulus

//ˈstɪm.jə.ləs// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 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. 2
    any stimulating information or event; acts to arouse action wordnet
  3. 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. 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”).

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