stimulation

American  

[stim-yuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌstɪm yəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of exciting a nerve, gland, etc., to its functional activity.

   The fungus is known to have diverse effects on the body, from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels.

2. something that arouses interest, inspiration, or incitement to action.

   Children, with their developing brains, love stimulation and novelty.

3. a cause or incitement.

   Improved rural-urban communication links often act as stimulation for the growth of local towns.

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Other Word Forms

• antistimulation noun
• hyperstimulation noun
• interstimulation noun
• nonstimulation noun
• overstimulation noun
• poststimulation adjective
• prestimulation noun
• restimulation noun
• self-stimulation noun
• superstimulation noun

Etymology

Origin of stimulation

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin stimulātiō “incentive”; equivalent to stimulate ( def. ) + -ion ( def. )

Example Sentences

Unlike other brain stimulation methods, transcranial focused ultrasound does not require surgery.

From Science Daily

Bob Price, chair of governors, said he was "delighted" that it would be "welcoming both boys and girls to enjoy the stimulation and excitement of life" at MCS.

From BBC

These included intensive options such as electroconvulsive therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation, highlighting just how difficult their condition had been to treat.

From Science Daily

Last year was particularly busy for her, shooting “Ponies” and two films, and she’s still learning how to be back in her everyday life without the constant stimulation of a set.

From Los Angeles Times

To determine whether alpha wave frequency directly influences these effects, the researchers used non-invasive electrical brain stimulation to gently increase or decrease the speed of participants' alpha rhythms.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• incentive
• stimulant