stimulation

[French, from Lat. stimula tionem, acc us. of stimulatio, from stimulatus, pa. par. of stimulo = to stimulate (q. v.).) 1. Ord. Lang.: The act of stimulating or exciting; the state of being stimulated; that which stimulates; a stimulus. "The secret stimulation of vanity, pride, or envy."Watts: On the Mind , pt. i., ch. v. 2. Physiology : A quickly diffused and transient increase of vital energy. stim-u-lā-tive, a. & s. [English stimulat (e); -ive.] A. As adj.: Having the power or quality of stimulating. B. As subst.: That which stimulates or rouses into more vigorous action; a stimulant, a stimulus. "So many stimulatives to such a spirit as mine."_ Richardson: Clari a, i. 225.