stimulus

Plural

stimuluses

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.

   • From the beginning of the show to the end, vanity is the sole stimulus and reward of action, vanity, that never looks beyond the present.

2. 2.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.

3. 3.A stinging part on the body of a plant or insect.

Overall

Uncommon· #3865

By learning goal

Everyday conversation

Rare

General reading & writing

Uncommon

Academic

Rare

Literature

Rare

Synonyms

• input