stimulus (n.) plural stimuli, 1680s, "stimulating property or effect," a medical term, especially "something that goads a lazy organ," from a modern use of Latin stimulus "a goad, a pointed stick" for driving …

stimulus, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

The meaning of STIMULUS is something that rouses or incites to activity. How to use stimulus in a sentence.

Mar 19, 2026 · Borrowed from Latin stimulus (“goad, prick”). stimulus (plural stimuluses or stimuli) From the beginning of the show to the end, vanity is the sole stimulus and reward of action—vanity, that …

The word "stimulus" is derived from the Latin word "stimulus," which means "goad" or "prick." It is related to the verb "stimulare," meaning "to prod or spur." Meaning and Origin

plural stimuli, 1680s, originally as a medical term, something that goads a lazy organ (often the male member), from Mod.L. stimulus goad (see STIMULATION (Cf. stimulation)).

A stimulus may be internal or external. Sense organs, such as the ear, and sensory receptors, such as those in the skin, are sensitive to external stimuli such as sound and touch.

The Latin word “stimulus” has Indo-European roots, where it is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *stey- which means “to stick or prick.” The notion of a spur or incitement expresses the basic …

Literally, a goad; hence, something that rouses from languor; that which excites or increases action in the animal system, as a stimulus in medicine; or that which rouses the mind or spirits; as, the hope of …

Word Origin late 17th cent.: from Latin, ‘goad, spur, incentive’. Definition of stimulus noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, …