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. Compare depressant(def 4).
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.

Origin of stimulant

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

OTHER WORDS FROM stimulant

an·ti·stim·u·lant, adjective, noun non·stim·u·lant, noun, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for stimulant

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 for stimulant

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

Medical definitions for stimulant

stimulant
[ stĭmyə-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.

Scientific definitions for stimulant

stimulant
[ stĭmyə-lənt ]

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