excitation

noun

ex·​ci·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən  ˌek-sə- 

: 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

When this overwhelms a cell's antioxidant defenses, cells and tissues can be damaged and electron excitation and transfer processes can be induced, leading to photon emission. —Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 May 2025

In other words, the idea that strings in different excitations and different harmonics and different configurations lead to different particles is certainly one of the amazingly beautiful predictions of string theory. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025

Typically, it would be expected that the jet would have ejected a greater abundance of heavier elements, such as iron, especially in regions with high ionization or excitation. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2025

Engineers also tested and modified the flutter excitation system, which intentionally vibrates the aircraft to assess its structural response. —IEEE Spectrum, 8 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for excitation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

excitation

noun

ex·​ci·​ta·​tion ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən 

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  ˌek-sə- 

: 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