stimulus

ot noun

1. Any external phenomenon that has an influence on a system, by triggering or modifying an internal phenomenon. an economic stimulus
2. Something external that elicits or influences a physiological or psychological activity or response.
3. Anything effectively impinging upon any of the sensory apparatuses of a living organism, including physical phenomena both internal and external to the body.
4. Anything that induces a person to take action.