Excitation: meaning, definitions and examples

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excitation

 

[ ˌɛksɪˈteɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical phenomena

Excitation refers to the process of gaining energy by an electron or atom. This process can influence various physical phenomena, such as emission spectra and electrical conductivity. It plays a crucial role in quantum mechanics and is fundamental to understanding atomic and molecular dynamics.

Synonyms

energizing, excitation energy, stimulation

Examples of usage

  • The excitation of electrons in the material led to increased conductivity.
  • Laser lights can cause the excitation of atoms, resulting in fluorescence.
  • In quantum physics, excitation levels are critical for particle interactions.
Context #2 | Noun

emotional state

Excitation can also refer to a heightened emotional state characterized by enthusiasm or intense stimulation. In psychology, excitation can relate to arousal, where emotional or physical responses are amplified.

Synonyms

excitement, stimulation, thrill

Examples of usage

  • The crowd's excitation was palpable during the concert.
  • She felt a rush of excitation upon hearing the good news.
  • The team's victory brought about a sense of excitement and collective excitation.

Translations

Translations of the word "excitation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 excitação

🇮🇳 उत्साह

🇩🇪 Erregung

🇮🇩 eksitasi

🇺🇦 збудження

🇵🇱 ekscytacja

🇯🇵 興奮

🇫🇷 excitation

🇪🇸 excitación

🇹🇷 heyecan

🇰🇷 흥분

🇸🇦 إثارة

🇨🇿 vzrušení

🇸🇰 vzrušenie

🇨🇳 激发

🇸🇮 vzburjenje

🇮🇸 örvandi

🇰🇿 қозу

🇬🇪 აღელვა

🇦🇿 həyəcan

🇲🇽 excitacion

Word origin

The term 'excitation' comes from the Latin verb 'excitare', which means 'to rouse or stir up'. This verb is a combination of 'ex-', meaning 'out', and 'citare', meaning 'to call, summon, or urge'. The transition from Latin to English occurred in the mid-19th century, where the term began to be used in scientific contexts to describe various forms of energy transfer and amplification in physical systems. By the early 20th century, the concept of excitation expanded within the realms of psychology and biology, referring broadly to heightened states of activity or response. The use of the word has been widespread in fields such as physics, psychology, and even everyday language to describe emotional responses.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,421 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.