excitable

The word 'excitable' is a relatively modern English formation, built upon the established verb 'excite.' The verb itself originates from the Latin excitare, a frequentative form of exciere ("to call forth, summon"), composed of ex- ("out") and ciere ("to set in motion, call"). The suffix -able, of Latin origin via French, was productively attached to verbs of French and Latin descent from Middle English onward. Therefore, the literal construction "capable of being roused out" evolved into the modern psychological and physiological senses describing a person, animal, or tissue prone to quick and strong reactions to stimuli.

Structure: excit (to arouse) + able (capable of) - excit: From Latin excitare, meaning "to call out, rouse, stir up." In this word, it functions as the verbal root conveying the core action of stimulation or arousal. - able: From Latin -abilis, a suffix forming adjectives meaning "capable of, fit for, or tending to" the action of the verb. It indicates a passive quality or susceptibility.