STIMULANT Meaning and
Definition
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A stimulant is a substance or agent that can enhance or increase the activity or function of the central nervous system (CNS) and other bodily organs or systems. When consumed or administered, stimulants promote a surge of mental and physical energy, temporarily boosting alertness, attention, and wakefulness, while often reducing fatigue and the feeling of drowsiness.
Stimulants work by stimulating the release of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a key role in activating and regulating various brain functions, including mood, motivation, and cognition. By increasing their levels, stimulants enhance the communication between neurons, leading to improved mental and physical performance.
Commonly used stimulants include substances like caffeine, found in coffee, tea, and energy drinks, as well as prescription medications like amphetamines and methylphenidate, used for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. However, stimulants can also refer to illicit drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine.
While stimulants can provide short-term benefits in terms of increased focus and energy, their long-term use or abuse can lead to various negative effects. These may include dependency, tolerance, insomnia, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, decreased appetite, anxiety, tremors, and even psychosis. Additionally, some stimulants have a high potential for addiction due to their euphoric properties, prompting individuals to crave and seek more of the substance.
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1. Stimulating, exciting to action. 2. An agent that arouses organic activity, strengthens the action of the heart, increases vitality, and promotes a sense of well-being. Stimulants are classified, according to the parts upon which they chiefly act, as cardiac, respiratory, stomachic, hepatic, cerebral, spinal, vascular, genital, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• In med., anything which produces a sudden increase of vital energy and strength.
• Having the quality of increasing or exciting vital action.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of STIMULANT
The word "stimulant" has its origin in the Latin term "stimulans", which is the present participle of the verb "stimulare" meaning "to goad, to prick, or to incite". It comes from the noun "stimulus", which means "goad, stimulus, or spur". The Latin root "stimulare" itself is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *(s)teu- meaning "to push, to hit, or to beat". The word "stimulant" was first recorded in English in the mid-17th century as a noun referring to a substance that invigorates or excites the central nervous system.
Similar spelling words for STIMULANT
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