2. Having quick and acute sensibility, either to the action of external objects, or to impressions upon the mind and feelings; highly susceptible; easily and acutely affected. "She was too sensitive to abuse and calumny." (Macaulay)
<botany> Sensitive fern A leguminous plant (Mimosa pudica, or M. Sensitiva, and other allied species), the leaves of which close at the slightest touch. Any plant showing motions after irritation, as the sensitive brier (Schrankia) of the Southern States, two common American species of Cassia (C. Nictitans, and C. Chamaecrista), a kind of sorrel (Oxalis sensitiva), etc. Sen"sitively, Sen"sitiveness.
Origin: F. Sensitif. See Sense.
(01 Mar 1998)
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