adequate stimulus

ad·e·quate stim·u·lus

a stimulus to which a particular receptor responds effectively and that gives rise to a characteristic sensation; for example, light and sound waves that stimulate, respectively, visual and auditory receptors.

ad·e·quate stim·u·lus

(ad'ĕ-kwăt stim'yū-lŭs)

A stimulus to which a particular receptor responds effectively that gives rise to a characteristic sensation (e.g., light and sound waves that stimulate, respectively, visual and auditory receptors).

adequate stimulus

1. Any stimulus capable of evoking a response, i.e., an environmental change possessing a certain intensity, acting for a certain length of time, and occurring at a certain rate.

2. A stimulus capable of initiating a nerve impulse in a specific type of receptor.

See also: stimulus

ad·e·quate stim·u·lus

(ad'ĕ-kwăt stim'yū-lŭs)

Stimulus to which a particular receptor responds effectively and gives rise to a characteristic sensation.