mimosa

[ mi-moh-suh, -zuh ]

noun

1. any of numerous plants, shrubs, or trees belonging to the genus Mimosa, of the legume family, native to tropical or warm regions, having small flowers in globular heads or cylindrical spikes and often sensitive leaves.
2. any of various similar or related plants, especially of the genus Acacia, as the silver wattle, or Albizzia, as the silk tree.
3. a cocktail of orange juice and champagne, usually in equal parts.

mimosa

/ mɪˈməʊsə; -zə /

noun

1. any tropical shrub or tree of the leguminous genus Mimosa, having ball-like clusters of yellow or pink flowers and compound leaves that are often sensitive to touch or light See also sensitive plant
2. any similar or related tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimosa¹

1695–1705; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin mīm ( us ) mime + -ōsa, feminine of -ōsus -ose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimosa¹

C18: from New Latin, probably from Latin mīmus mime , because the plant's sensitivity to touch imitates the similar reaction of animals

Example Sentences

Guests will also get choose from a variety of drink options including bloodies, mimosas and vodka grey hounds.

From Washington Blade

Enjoy and all-you-can-eat experience with unlimited mimosas and bloody Mary’s.

From Washington Blade

Mimosas go for a mere $5, and espresso martinis have found their way onto the menu, too.

From Washington Blade

In my teenage years, after my older brothers Christopher and James had moved out, Mom and Dad and I would listen to Sinatra, drink mimosas for breakfast and open gifts.

From Time

Scott also had the foresight to bring along a few bottles of champagne and orange juice and we were treated to mimosas along the way.

From Washington Blade

Armed with a breakfast burrito and sparkling Mimosa, we strongly disagree.

From The Daily Beast

They saw broken branches of the mimosa giving out their odour, that had not had time to waste itself.

From Project Gutenberg

The ground was open on all sides, a thin thread of mimosa along some slight depression being the only sort of cover it afforded.

From Project Gutenberg

Douaille will have full powers, and the conference will take place at the Villa Mimosa.

From Project Gutenberg

Below them was a tangle of mimosa trees and rhododendrons, and further below still the blue Mediterranean.

From Project Gutenberg

The perfume of mimosa and roses and oleander came to him in long waves, subtle and yet invigorating.

From Project Gutenberg