Emily Dickinson Lexicon

IR-RI-TA'TION, n.

1. The operation of exciting heat, action and redness in the skin or flesh of living animals, by friction or other means.
2. The excitement of action in the animal system by the application of food, medicines, and the like.
3. Excitement of anger or passion; provocation; exasperation; anger.
4. In physiology, an exertion or change of some extreme part of the sensorium residing in the muscles or organs of sense, in consequence of the appulses of external bodies. Darwin. Irritation is the effect of a stimulus applied to an irritable part. Coxe.