sensitive plant
/'sensitiv'plɑ:nt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- semi-climbing prickly evergreen shrub of tropical America having compound leaves sensitive to light and touch
- 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