stimulant

[ stim-yuh-luhnt ]

noun

1. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. something that temporarily quickens some vital process or the functional activity of some organ or part: Compare depressant ( def 4 ).

   Adrenalin is a stimulant for the heart.

2. any food or beverage that stimulates, especially coffee, tea, or, in its initial effect, alcoholic liquor.
3. a stimulus or incentive.

adjective

1. Physiology, Medicine/Medical. temporarily quickening some vital process or functional activity.
2. stimulating.

stimulant

/ ˈstɪmjʊlənt /

noun

1. a drug or similar substance that increases physiological activity, esp of a particular organ
2. any stimulating agent or thing

adjective

1. increasing physiological activity; stimulating

stimulant

/ stĭm′yə-lənt /

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

Other Words From

• anti·stimu·lant adjective noun
• non·stimu·lant noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulant¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stimulant¹

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

Example Sentences

He says: "There’s only a limited number of factories where these medicines are actually produced. They're stimulants, so there’s also quite a high security standard in these factories and they’re not easy operations to run."

From BBC

Scientists are still learning about its complex effects, which can range from stimulant to sedative and stem from chemical compounds called alkaloids.

From Los Angeles Times

Under the new law, mifepristone and misoprostol will be added to a list comprised of opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

From Salon

The drugs, mostly stimulants, increase activity in the brain, especially the parts which control attention and behaviour.

From BBC

Specifically, prosecutors allege that he falsely claimed that he was "not an unlawful user of and addicted to any stimulant narcotic drug" when he purchased a Colt Cobra Special revolver.

From BBC

Related Words

• catalyst
• drug
• impetus
• stimulus