excitation

noun

ex·​ci·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce excitation (audio) ˌek-sə- How to pronounce excitation (audio)
: excitement
especially : the disturbed or altered condition resulting from stimulation of an individual, organ, tissue, or cell

Examples of excitation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Among those present for the excitation were Moore's lawyer of 10 years, Lindsey Vann, members of the victim's family and Solicitor Barry Barnette, who was on the prosecution team. Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 2 Nov. 2024 Allen Institute From their findings, the researchers hypothesize that the loss of these cells may trigger a domino effect that upsets the delicate balance between inhibition and excitation, promoting widespread system failures that result in neuronal loss and cognitive decline. New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2024 Boom Supersonic Boom tested its flutter excitation system (FES) at Mach 0.6 ... which must be unnerving for a test pilot. New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2024 Their experiments involved shooting photons through a cloud of ultracold rubidium atoms and measuring the resulting degree of atomic excitation. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for excitation 

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of excitation was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near excitation

Cite this Entry

“Excitation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/excitation. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

excitation

noun
ex·​ci·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce excitation (audio)
ˌek-sə-
: excitement sense 1
especially : the activity or change in condition resulting from stimulation of an individual, organ, tissue, or cell

Medical Definition

excitation

noun
ex·​ci·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce excitation (audio) ˌek-sə- How to pronounce excitation (audio)
: excitement: as
a
: the disturbed or altered condition resulting from arousal of activity (as by neural or electrical stimulation) in an individual organ or tissue
b
: the arousing of such activity

More from Merriam-Webster on excitation

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!