ˈsensɪtɪv adj. & n. --adj. 1 (often foll. by to)
very open to or acutely
affected by
external stimuli or
mental impressions; having
sensibility. 2 (of a person)
easily offended or emotionally
hurt. 3 (often foll. by to) (of an
instrument etc.)
responsive to or
recording slight changes. 4 (often foll. by to) a (of photographic materials) prepared so as to
respond (esp. rapidly) to
the action of
light. b (of
any material)
readily affected by or responsive to external action. 5 (of a
topic etc.)
subject to
restriction of
discussion to
prevent embarrassment,
ensure security, etc. 6 (of a market)
liable to
quick changes of
price. --n. a
person who is sensitive (esp. to supposed
occult influences). øsensitive
plant 1 a plant
whose leaves curve downwards
and leaflets fold
together when touched,
esp.
mimosa. 2 a sensitive person. øøsensitively adv. sensitiveness n. [ME, =
sensory, f. OF sensitif
-ive or med.L sensitivus, irreg. f. L sentire sensfeel]
