ENGLISH
REFERENCE

stimulation

n.
US //ˌstɪmjəˈɫeɪʃən// UK //stˌɪmjʊlˈeɪʃən// stim·u·la·tion
  1. 1 sensory or biological input (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Science

    something that causes a physical reaction in the body or brain.

    the physiological arousal of an organism or a specific organ resulting from external or internal stimuli.

    Example

    The baby needs visual stimulation, like bright colors and moving toys, to help their brain develop.

    Example

    Electrical stimulation of the muscle fibers allowed the researchers to observe the contraction patterns without relying on voluntary neural signals.

    Usage

    Often used with 'of' followed by the body part or system being activated.

  2. 2 intellectual interest (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic

    the feeling of being interested and excited by new ideas or activities.

    the provision of interesting or challenging input that encourages mental activity or engagement.

    Example

    He moved to the city because he wanted more intellectual stimulation than his small town provided.

    Example

    The university environment provides constant mental stimulation through guest lectures, diverse student debates, and access to extensive research archives.

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  1. 3 economic or social boost (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    the act of helping something, like a business or the economy, to grow and become more active.

    the act of encouraging or accelerating a process, particularly within an economic or social framework.

    Example

    The government hopes that lower taxes will provide the stimulation the economy needs.

    Example

    The central bank argued that further monetary stimulation was necessary to prevent the manufacturing sector from entering a prolonged period of decline.

Origin

From Latin stimulātiō. Morphologically stimulate + -ion.

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