Excitability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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excitability

[ษชkหˆsaษชtษ™หŒbษชlษ™ti ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

emotional response

Excitability refers to the ability of an organism to respond to stimuli with an emotional or physiological reaction. It is a key characteristic often observed in biological systems and can indicate heightened emotional states. In psychological contexts, it relates to how sensitive individuals are to emotional or external stimuli.

Synonyms

hyperactivity, sensitiveness, stimulation.

Examples of usage

  • Her excitability makes her a great performer.
  • Children exhibit a high level of excitability when sugar is involved.
  • The excitability of certain muscles can affect physical performance.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, excitability can refer to how a person reacts to emotional stimuli, influencing behavior.
  • People with high excitability tend to have heightened emotional responses, which can affect their daily interactions.
  • Research suggests that excitability can be linked to personality traits, with some individuals being naturally more responsive than others.

Physiology

  • In the body, excitability refers to how easily nerve or muscle cells respond to stimuli, crucial for movement and sensations.
  • Certain diseases can impact this property, affecting how the body reacts to stimuli, such as in multiple sclerosis.
  • Excitability plays a vital role in muscle contractions, allowing the body to perform tasks from movements to heartbeats.

Education

  • In a classroom, a student's level of excitability can influence their learning; excited students tend to engage more.
  • Teachers often use engaging methods to stimulate students' excitability to enhance participation and attention.
  • Studies show that excitement in learning environments can lead to better memory retention and comprehension.

Pop Culture

  • Films often portray characters with high excitability as more energetic or spontaneous, making them memorable and engaging.
  • Certain video games are designed to excite players through dramatic visuals and sound, leveraging their ability to evoke emotions.
  • Shows and performances often harness the audience's excitability, using bright lights and music to create thrilling experiences.

Origin of 'excitability'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Latin word 'excitare', which means 'to awaken' or 'to stir up'.
  • It combines 'ex-' meaning 'out' and 'citare' meaning 'to call', indicating a call to action.
  • The word has been used in scientific contexts since the late 19th century to describe responses in biological systems.

The word 'excitability' originates from the Latin 'excitare,' which means 'to stir up' or 'to call out.' It was formed in the late 19th century by combining 'excitable,' which describes something that can be easily excited or agitated, with the suffix '-ity' that denotes a state or condition. The concept applies across various fields, including biology, psychology, and physiology, to describe the characteristic of responding to stimuli. As scientific understanding evolved, especially in physiology concerning muscle and nerve function, the term became increasingly utilized in both medical and psychological literature. Its relevance remains significant today, particularly in discussions surrounding emotional regulation and behavioral responses.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,369, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.