The word "excitant" is spelled with a "c" instead of an "s" because it is derived from the Latin word "excitare" which has a hard "c" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is pronounced /ɪkˈsaɪ.tənt/ with the stress on the second syllable. It is an adjective used to describe something that stimulates or arouses excitement. The correct spelling of "excitant" is often confused with the more common spelling "exciting", but they have slightly different meanings.
Excitant is an adjective that is used to describe something that has the ability to evoke or stimulate excitement, enthusiasm, or strong feelings of interest and engagement. It is derived from the noun "excite," which means to arouse or provoke a response or reaction. When applied to a person or an experience, an excitant is something that incites or stirs up emotions in a positive way, generating a sense of curiosity, thrill, or fervor.
In a broader sense, an excitant can also refer to a substance or agent that has stimulating properties or acts on the nervous system, heightening its activity. This usage is commonly associated with pharmacology or medical contexts, where excitants may be prescribed to increase alertness, enhance attention span, or boost cognitive performance. Examples of such substances include caffeine, amphetamines, or certain medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
The term "excitant" can also be employed to describe activities, events, or situations that create a buzz or generate a sense of anticipation and intensity. These may include thrilling outdoor adventures, exhilarating sports competitions, or electrifying music concerts. Furthermore, an excitant can also pertain to any factor, element, or feature that adds dynamism, interest, or novelty to an otherwise mundane or routine experience.
Overall, excitant is a versatile adjective that denotes something or someone that possesses the power to stir up excitement, animate emotions, or invigorate the senses, whether those sensations are psychological, physiological, or sensory in nature.
1. Stimulating. 2. A stimulant.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
That which produces or is capable of producing increased action.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word excitant is derived from the Latin word excitare, which means to rouse, to provoke, to excite. The Latin word is a combination of the prefix ex- (meaning out) and citare (meaning to move, to set in motion). Over time, excitant has been borrowed from Latin into several languages, including English, where it is primarily used as an adjective meaning stimulating or arousing.