stimulus
STIM-yuh-luss
/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/
A thing or event that evokes a specific functional reaction in an organ or tissue, or rouses activity.
Refers to a specific external trigger that sparks an immediate biological, psychological, or economic reaction.
The story behind the word. In ancient Rome, a 'stimulus' was a sharp pointed stick used by farmers to goad oxen into pulling plows. Roman writers adapted it metaphorically for any sharp poke that gets a sluggish human or mind moving.
Word relationships
- catalyst: Catalyst starts a chemical or social change, whereas stimulus triggers a sensory or behavioral response.
- trigger: Trigger implies an instant, automated release mechanism.
- depressant: A depressant lowers functional or nervous activity.
- sedative: A sedative calms or reduces excitement.
Commonly confused with
- stimulant: A stimulus is any trigger causing action, while a stimulant is specifically a substance (like caffeine) that increases physiological activity.
Word family
- stimulate (verb): To raise levels of physiological or nervous activity in.
- stimulation (noun): The action of rousing or exciting movement.
Collocations
- sensory stimulus
- economic stimulus
- external stimulus
- respond to a stimulus
Example sentences
- "Bright light acts as a sensory stimulus that causes the pupil of the eye to contract immediately." Neurobiology
- "The government passed a multi-billion dollar economic stimulus package to boost consumer spending." Economics
Memory hook
STIMULUS = STIM-ulating spike that STIRs you to action. Sharp goad.
When not to use
Do not use for sustained internal character traits; a stimulus is a distinct trigger.
Fun facts
- The plural of stimulus is 'stimuli' (Latin masculine plural), though learners often mistakenly say 'stimuluses'.
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