Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tropical American semi-climbing prickly evergreen shrub (Mimosa pudica): A plant with compound leaves that react to physical stimuli such as touch, light changes, or temperature drops by rapidly folding and drooping.
   • A prostrate or semi-erect subshrub: A low-growing plant found in tropical America and Australia, characterized by recurved thorns and sensitive, soft grey-green leaflets.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sensitive plant in the greenhouse closed its leaves when I touched it.
  • We studied the rapid movement of the sensitive plant in biology class.

Advanced Usage

• As a common name: The term "sensitive plant" is primarily used as the common name for . It can be used metaphorically to describe a person or thing that is extremely reactive or easily affected.
  • After the criticism, he became like a sensitive plant, withdrawing at the slightest comment.

Variants and Related Words

• Mimosa pudica (n): The scientific botanical name for the sensitive plant.
• Touch-me-not (n): A common alternative name for the sensitive plant, referring to its reactive nature.
• Shameplant (n): Another common name, alluding to the plant's drooping response as if embarrassed.

Synonyms

• Mimosa (n): Often used informally, though this genus includes many non-sensitive species.
• Humble plant (n): A less common synonym emphasizing the plant's drooping posture.

Related Phrases

• As sensitive as a mimosa: An idiomatic comparison describing a person who is very easily hurt or offended.
  • Be careful what you say; she's as sensitive as a mimosa.

Noun

1. semi-climbing prickly evergreen shrub of tropical America having compound leaves sensitive to light and touch
2. prostrate or semi-erect subshrub of tropical America, and Australia; heavily armed with recurved thorns and having sensitive soft grey-green leaflets that fold and droop at night or when touched or cooled