What does "stimulus" mean?

1. (an incentive or boost) something that encourages growth, activity, or more effort. 2. (a stinging part) a sharp, stinging part on the body of a plant or an insect.

stimulus

US //ˈstɪmjəɫəs// UK //stˈɪmjʊləs// stim·u·lus

1 an incentive or boost (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic Formal

something that encourages growth, activity, or more effort.

an incentive or spur that encourages a system, such as an economy or a person, to increase activity or development.

Example

The government provided a financial stimulus to help small businesses grow.

Example

Economists debated whether the proposed tax cuts would provide a sufficient stimulus to jump-start the stagnant manufacturing sector.
- deterrent
- discouragement
2 a stinging part (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

a sharp, stinging part on the body of a plant or an insect.

a stinging hair or sharp organ on a plant or animal used for defense or irritation.

Example

The biologist examined the tiny stimulus on the leaf under a microscope.

Example

Certain species of nettle possess a stimulus that injects irritating chemicals into the skin upon the slightest physical contact.
- stinger
- spine

Origin

Borrowed from Latin stimulus (“goad, prick”).