stimulus

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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
   noun

   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
   noun

   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.

4. 4
   noun

   any stimulating information or event

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin stimulus (“goad, prick”).