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 internal stimuli is your vital signs changing due to a change in the body.

Stimuli include:

• Irritants
• Sights
• Smells
• Sounds
• Temperature changes

References

Taber's Medical Dictionary Online website. www.tabers.com/tabersonline. Accessed March 15, 2023.