Definition

A type of nerve that, when stimulated, causes an increase in activity in the part of the body it connects to.

Example

The excitor nerve played a crucial role in enhancing muscle movement during the exercise.

Conversation

I was reading about the nervous system and came across the term excitor.

Oh really? What does it mean?

It refers to a nerve that increases activity in the part it supplies, like an excitor for muscles.

That sounds interesting! I didn’t know nerves could have such specific functions.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Excitor is formed from "ex-" (meaning out) and "citare" (meaning to summon or call). The word refers to someone or something that calls out or stimulates action.

Memory Tip

Think of 'calling out' ('citare') from 'out' ('ex-') — that's why excitor means something that stimulates or calls forth action.

Visually Confused Words