sensitive plant

noun

1. Also called humble plant. a tropical American plant, Mimosa pudica, cultivated in greenhouses, having bipinnate leaves whose leaflets fold together when touched.
2. any of various other plants that are sensitive to touch.

sensitive plant

noun

1. a tropical American mimosa plant, Mimosa pudica, the leaflets and stems of which fold if touched
2. any similar plant, such as the leguminous plant Cassia nictitans of E North America
3. informal.
   a person who is easily upset

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensitive plant¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

In the immediate area, where temperatures stayed above freezing last night, you might want to take some effort to keep any sensitive plants safe yet again.

From Washington Post

Increased human numbers can also turn up noise levels, which can disturb wildlife, and wayward trampling that can squash sensitive plants.

From Popular-Science

There is supposed to be a kind of flower, like a sensitive plant, that can be put to sleep by the playing of a very delicate tune.

From Project Gutenberg

At times he sprinkled his sensitive plant with some simple arithmetic; again he lectured on the earth, the moon, and the stars.

From Project Gutenberg

My love is a sensitive plant and would shrink up at every look.'

From Project Gutenberg

I have steamed the other plants, and made the sensitive plant very sensitive, and shall soon try some experiments on it.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the most curious things in vegetation which strikes our English eyes is the extraordinary abundance of the sensitive plant.

From Project Gutenberg