2. (Physiol.)
Defn: Produced increased vital action in the organism, or in any of its parts.
STIMULANT
Stim"u*lant, n. Etym: [Cf. F. stimulant.]
1. That which stimulates, provokes, or excites. His feelings had been exasperated by the constant application of stimulants. Macaulay.
2. (Physiol. & Med.)
Defn: An agent which produces a temporary increase of vital activity in the organism, or in any of its parts; — sometimes used without qualification to signify an alcoholic beverage used as a stimulant.
STIMULATE
Stim"u*late, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Stimulated; p. pr. & vb. n.
Stimulating.] Etym: [L. stimulatus, p.p. of stimulare to prick or
goad on, to incite, fr. stimulus a goad. See Stimulus.]
1. To excite as if with a goad; to excite, rouse, or animate, to action or more vigorous exertion by some pungent motive or by persuasion; as, to stimulate one by the hope of reward, or by the prospect of glory. To excite and stimulate us thereunto. Dr. J. Scott.
2. (Physiol.)
Defn: To excite; to irritate; especially, to excite the activity of (a nerve or an irritable muscle), as by electricity.