stimulus

Something causing or regarded as causing a response.

An agent, action, or condition that elicits or accelerates a physiological or psychological activity or response.

Something that incites or rouses to action; an incentive.

Government spending designed to generate or increase economic activity.

In entomology, a stinging-hair.

The continuation in sense-organ, nerve, and brain of a process of stimulation externally initiated; the physiological excitation which is aroused by the action of an external stimulus.

Literally, a goad.

In botany, a sting: as, the nettle is furnished with stimuli.

The point at the end of a crozier, pastoral staff, precentor’s staff, or the like.