n.
Pronunciation: in- ' sen-tiv
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin incentivum, from neuter of incentivus stimulating, from Latin, setting the tune, from incentus, past participle of incinere to play (a tune), from in- + canere to singular ― more at CHANT
Date: 15th century
: something that incites or has a tendency to incite to determination or action
synonyms see MOTIVE
– incentive adjective