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

Too little excitation can be associated with conditions such as autism. —Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 29 Sep. 2025

This approach contrasts with previous methods that lacked the ability to measure the momentum distribution of excitations within the spin current. —Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025

Swirling and reaching into the sky, the Shakers sought to expunge their sins and find communion with God, but what is the difference between exorcism and excitation? —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 4 Sep. 2025

Up close, Orlik’s excitations have a mesmerizing, machinelike quality—alive and detached at the same time. —Sam Knight, New Yorker, 17 June 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