stimulant

[stim-yuh-luhnt]

noun

1. Physiology, Medicine/Medical.,  something that temporarily quickens some vital process or the functional activity of some organ or part.

   Adrenalin is a stimulant for the heart.

2. any food or beverage that stimulates, especially coffee, tea, or, in its initial effect, alcoholic liquor.

3. a stimulus or incentive.

adjective

1. Physiology, Medicine/Medical.,  temporarily quickening some vital process or functional activity.

2. stimulating.

stimulant

/ ˈstɪmjʊlənt /

noun

1. a drug or similar substance that increases physiological activity, esp of a particular organ

2. any stimulating agent or thing

adjective

1. increasing physiological activity; stimulating

stimulant

1. An agent, especially a drug, that causes increased activity, especially of the nervous or cardiovascular systems. Caffeine is a commonly used stimulant.

Other Word Forms

• antistimulant adjective
• nonstimulant noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulant¹

First recorded in 1720–30, stimulant is from the Latin word stimulant- (stem of stimulāns, present participle of stimulāre to goad). See stimulus, -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulant¹

C18: from Latin stimulāns goading, from stimulāre to urge on; see _stimulus

Example Sentences

The drug has stimulant effects, in low doses, so people have reported feeling alert, physically energized and talkative, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple were intoxicated from a “central nervous system stimulant,” authorities said.

From Los Angeles Times

The pouches are small, pillow-like sachets that contain nicotine - a chemical found in tobacco which acts as a stimulant.

From BBC

Caffeine is a stimulant that can make you feel more alert and less sleepy due to its effect on the brain and nervous system.

From BBC

It’s also the place where she got sober after abusing stimulants to stay awake and keep things running as a single mom.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• catalyst 
• drug 
• impetus 
• stimulus