sensitive plant

noun

: any of several mimosas (especially Mimosa pudica) with leaves that fold or droop when touched
broadly : a plant responding to touch with movement

Word History

First Known Use

1640, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sensitive plant was in 1640

Dictionary Entries Near sensitive plant

Cite this Entry

“Sensitive plant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sensitive%20plant. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

sensitive plant

noun
: any of several mimosas with leaves that fold or droop when touched

More from Merriam-Webster on sensitive plant

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!