stimulant

[stim-yuh-luh nt] /ˈstɪm yə lənt/

noun

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.

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

a stimulus or incentive.

adjective

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

stimulating.

Compare depressant.

Origin

1720-30; < Latin stimulant- (stem of stimulāns, present participle of stimulāre to goad). See stimulus, -ant

Related forms

antistimulant, adjective, noun

nonstimulant, noun, adjective

Examples from the web for stimulant

Caffeine is well-known for its effect as a natural stimulant.
High inflation is not exactly a great stimulant to the economy, especially over prolonged term.
Ephedra was a popular stimulant until strokes and sudden deaths caused public alarm.
He had few takers until he began selling dietary supplements, some containing the powerful but unregulated stimulant ephedra.
Even though caffeine is safe in moderate amounts, it is a stimulant.
Already the stimulant effect of the fast is being experienced.
stimulant use can cause temporary thought disorder or intensify an underlying thought disorder or hypomanic state.
Ephedrine is a central-nervous- system stimulant but can be used as a decongestant.
stimulant medication does improve attention and positively affect school performance and self-esteem.
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant made in clandestine laboratories nationwide.

British Dictionary definitions for stimulant

stimulant

/ˈstɪmjʊlənt/

noun

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

any stimulating agent or thing

adjective

increasing physiological activity; stimulating

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for stimulant

1772 (adj.); 1794 (n.), from Latin stimulantem (nominative stimulans), present participle of stimulare (see stimulation).

stimulant in Medicine

stimulant stim·u·lant (stĭm'yə-lənt)
n.
An agent that arouses organic activity, strengthens the action of the heart, increases vitality, and promotes a sense of well-being. adj.
Serving as or being a stimulant.

stimulant in Science

stimulant

(stĭm'yə-lənt)
An agent, especially a drug, that causes increased activity, especially of the nervous or cardiovascular systems. Caffeine is a commonly used stimulant.