excitation
- 01 C1 Advanced
the process where an atom or molecule gains energy and moves to a higher level.
the transition of a nucleus, atom, or molecule to an excited state through the absorption of energy.
Simple“The laser causes the excitation of the atoms in the gas.”
In context“The researchers measured the photon emission following the electronic excitation of the sample under vacuum conditions.”
SynonymsactivationenergizingAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
the way a nerve or muscle starts to work after it is stimulated.
the physiological response or activity produced in a tissue or cell, such as a neuron, as a result of a stimulus.
Simple“The drug increases the excitation of certain nerves in the brain.”
In context“Abnormal neuronal excitation in the cortex is often a primary indicator of seizure activity in clinical patients.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C2 Proficiency
the act of making something more active or waking it up.
the act of rousing, awakening, or putting something into motion.
Simple“The speech led to the excitation of the crowd's political feelings.”
In context“The sudden excitation of public interest in the case forced the ministry to issue a formal statement ahead of schedule.”
SynonymsAntonyms
“The instruments can detect molecular vibrations, atomic excitations or the breaking apart of the target structure itself.”
“These atoms have a “resonance” with the photons, meaning the energy of the photon can be transferred temporarily to the atoms as an atomic excitation.”
From Middle English excitacion, excitacioun, from Old French excitation, from Latin excitātiō. Morphologically excite + -ation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.