stimulus
/ˈstɪm.jə.ləs/ noun C1- 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
- Something external that elicits or influences a physiological or psychological activity or response, or that affects any of the sensory apparatuses. · to respond to a stimulus
- A stinging part on the body of a plant or insect.
Plural stimuluses
From the library
Now I knew that under ordinary conditions he no longer craved for this artificial stimulus, but I was well aware that the fiend was not dead but sleeping, and I have known that the sleep was a light one and the waking near when in periods of idleness I have seen the drawn look upon Holmes’s ascetic face, and the brooding of his deep-set and inscrutable eyes.
While the count picked up the paper he put spurs to his horse, which leaped in astonishment at such an unusual stimulus, and shot away with the rapidity of an arrow.
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