Definition

A stimulus is anything that can trigger a physical or behavioral change. The plural of stimulus is stimuli.

Stimuli can be external or internal.

An example of external stimuli is your body responding to a medicine.

An example of an internal stimulus is your vital signs changing due to a change in the body.

Stimuli include:

• Irritants
• Sights
• Smells
• Sounds
• Temperature changes

References

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: F.A. Davis Company; 2021. www.tabers.com/tabersonline/view/Tabers-Dictionary/745052/all/stimulus. Accessed December 17, 2024.