Definition of stimulus
- v. t. - A goad; hence, something that rouses the mind or
spirits; an incentive; as, the hope of gain is a powerful stimulus to
labor and action.
- v. t. - That which excites or produces a temporary increase of
vital action, either in the whole organism or in any of its parts;
especially (Physiol.), any substance or agent capable of evoking the
activity of a nerve or irritable muscle, or capable of producing an
impression upon a sensory organ or more particularly upon its specific
end organ.