excitation
noun
ex·ci·ta·tion
ˌek-ˌsī-ˈtā-shən 
ˌek-sə-
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
So that actually breaks the symmetry of the propagation of the excitation.
—
Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 July 2023
The pulsed acoustic pressure wave may locally shift the balance of excitation and inhibition by acting on mechanically sensitive components of the brain, including cell membranes, ion channels and synaptic vesicle cycles (1).
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2014
The quasiparticles, a concept the Department of Energy says helps scientists describe the patterns that emerge when subatomic particles interact in huge numbers, are collective excitations of many electrons in solid devices.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 10 May 2023
These particles dump energy into the atoms, moving the electrons up in energy (called excitation).
—Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2012
Consistent with the predictions of excitation transfer theory, for males and females riding with a nonromantic partner, ratings of attractiveness and dating desirability toward the photographed individual were higher among persons exiting than entering the ride.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2012
In particular, the electron can be thought of as an excitation in a quantum field known as the Dirac field, and this field may be what carries the spin of the electron.
—Adam Becker, Scientific American, 22 Nov. 2022
Baker said the oldest explanation is the inhibition/excitation balance theory — which means their brains may get overexcited when faced with some form of stimulation.
—Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 14 Dec. 2018
Infrared excitation in the copper sulfide creates hot electrons and holes, which are injected into the cadmium sulfide and recombine to emit high-energy light in the visible region.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2022
See More
Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 12 July 2023
The pulsed acoustic pressure wave may locally shift the balance of excitation and inhibition by acting on mechanically sensitive components of the brain, including cell membranes, ion channels and synaptic vesicle cycles (1).
—Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2014
The quasiparticles, a concept the Department of Energy says helps scientists describe the patterns that emerge when subatomic particles interact in huge numbers, are collective excitations of many electrons in solid devices.
—Julia Musto, Fox News, 10 May 2023
These particles dump energy into the atoms, moving the electrons up in energy (called excitation).
—Phil Plait, Discover Magazine, 29 Jan. 2012
Consistent with the predictions of excitation transfer theory, for males and females riding with a nonromantic partner, ratings of attractiveness and dating desirability toward the photographed individual were higher among persons exiting than entering the ride.
—Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 12 Mar. 2012
In particular, the electron can be thought of as an excitation in a quantum field known as the Dirac field, and this field may be what carries the spin of the electron.
—Adam Becker, Scientific American, 22 Nov. 2022
Baker said the oldest explanation is the inhibition/excitation balance theory — which means their brains may get overexcited when faced with some form of stimulation.
—Megan Schmidt, Discover Magazine, 14 Dec. 2018
Infrared excitation in the copper sulfide creates hot electrons and holes, which are injected into the cadmium sulfide and recombine to emit high-energy light in the visible region.
—IEEE Spectrum, 30 Dec. 2022
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'excitation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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 Sep. 2023.
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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-
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
More from Merriam-Webster on excitation
Nglish: Translation of excitation for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about excitation
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