excitation
n. C / Un. the process of making something more active or giving it more energy. In science, it often describes an atom or molecule moving to a higher energy level.
n. the application of energy to a system, or the resulting state of increased energy or activity. In physics, it specifically refers to the transition of a physical system from a ground state to an excited state.
The laser causes the excitation of the atoms.
The researchers measured the level of electronic excitation after the sample was exposed to high-intensity ultraviolet light.
In quantum mechanics, the excitation of an electron requires the absorption of a photon with exactly the right amount of energy to bridge the gap between discrete energy levels.
From Middle English excitacion, excitacioun, from Old French excitation, from Latin excitātiō. Morphologically excite + -ation.
Uncountable when referring to the general process; countable when referring to specific instances or modes of energy increase.
The excitation of the crowd was high.The excitement of the crowd was high.Learners often use 'excitation' when they mean the emotional state of 'excitement'; 'excitation' is almost exclusively used in technical, physical, or biological contexts.