the tendency of the sensory receptors to respond less and less to a constant stimulus. (154)

The reduction in activity of a sensory neuron during sustained application of a sensory stimulus.

When an observer's sensitivity to stimuli decreases over time. go to glossary index

Decreased signalling of a peripheral sense organ with continued exposure to a stimulus

is the tendency of the human sense of smell to become less and less able to perceive a particular fragrance the longer it is exposed to it. When the sense of smell is "adapted" to a fragrance, it is no longer able to recognize it. Yet it recovers quickly from this fatigue.

The decline in sensitivity found in most sensory systems after continuous exposure to the same stimulus.

The reduction in sensitivity that occurs with prolonged stimulation and the increase in sensitivity that occurs with lack of stimulation; most noted in vision, smell, taste, and temperature sensitivity. See also dark adaptation, light adaptation.