sensitivity

American  

[sen-si-tiv-i-tee] / ˌsɛn sɪˈtɪv ɪ ti /

noun

plural

sensitivities

1. the state or quality of being sensitive; sensitiveness.

2. Physiology.

   1. the ability of an organism or part of an organism to react to stimuli; irritability.

   2. degree of susceptibility to stimulation.

3. Electricity.

   1. the ability of a radio device to react to incoming signals, expressed as the minimum input signal required to produce a specified output signal with a given noise level.

   2. the input, as voltage, current, or the like, required to produce full deflection in an electric measuring device, expressed as the ratio of the response to the magnitude of the input quantity.

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sensitivity British  

/ ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being sensitive

2. physiol the state, condition, or quality of reacting or being sensitive to an external stimulus, drug, allergen, etc

3. electronics the magnitude or time of response of an instrument, circuit, etc, to an input signal, such as a current

4. photog the degree of response of an emulsion to light or other actinic radiation, esp to light of a particular colour, expressed in terms of its speed

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Related Words

See sensibility.

Other Word Forms

• antisensitivity noun
• nonsensitivity noun

Etymology

Origin of sensitivity

First recorded in 1795–1805; sensitive + -ity

Example Sentences

"Flies don't have human hormones like estrogen, suggesting that other genetic or physiological factors are driving the heightened sensitivity in females," said Biological Sciences Professor Kyung-An Han.

From Science Daily

The BBC says the show will be "handled with sensitivity and respect" and the production team are in contact with Everard's family.

From BBC

Though the fallout from the war is widespread, banks’ economic sensitivity, and their prior hot streak, have put the sector under particular pressure.

From The Wall Street Journal

Upcoming galaxy surveys, cosmic microwave background studies, and gravitational wave detectors are reaching the sensitivity needed to examine ideas that were once purely theoretical.

From Science Daily

As volatility increases and growth expectations become less clear, the sector’s steady demand, resilient earnings, and less sensitivity to the economic cycle are starting to stand out.

From Barron's

Related Words

• awareness
• feeling
• nervousness
• sense
• subtlety
• sympathy