Stimulator
/ˈstɪm.jəˌleɪ.tər/noun
A person, device, or substance that causes or increases activity or response.
Did you know?The word descends from Latin stimulus, a pointed goad used to drive animals forward, giving modern “stimulation” an unexpectedly physical origin.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*steig-
“To prick, stick, or pierce”
Ancient Greek
Greek
stizein
“To prick or mark with a pointed instrument”
Classical Latin
Latin
stimulus
“A pointed goad, sting, or spur used to urge movement”
Classical Latin
Latin
stimulare
“To goad, urge, or incite”
Late Latin
Latin
stimulator
“One who urges or incites”
15th–16th Century
English
stimulator
“A person or thing that stimulates”
Modern English
English
stimulator
“A person, device, or substance that increases activity or response”