stimule

Stimule is not a standard English word. In English, the corresponding noun is stimulus (plural stimuli) and the verb is stimulate. The spelling stimule may appear as a typographical error, in brand or product names, or in non-English contexts. In French, the infinitive verb is stimuler, and the present tense third-person singular form is stimule.

In scientific usage, stimulus refers to any detectable change in the environment that can elicit a response from an organism. Stimuli can be external (such as light, sound, temperature) or internal (such as hunger or pain). The related process is stimulation, the act of presenting stimuli to provoke a response. The plural form stimuli is common in discussions of sensory modalities and neural pathways.

Etymology traces stimulus to Latin stimulus, meaning goad or spur, with stimulation derived from the verb stimulare. The English verb stimulate comes through Latin and French influences, carrying the sense of prompting or encouraging activity or growth.

Common confusions include confusing stimulus with stimulant, a substance that temporarily increases activity or alertness. Outside non-English contexts or specific branding, stimule should not be used in English as a standalone term. In French, stimule functions as a verb and does not serve as a noun in ordinary usage.

See also: stimulus, stimuli, stimulation, stimulants.