sensitive plant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1botanical/scientific; occasionally figurative/colloquial
Quick answer
What does “sensitive plant” mean?
A tropical plant (Mimosa pudica) whose leaves close and fold inward when touched or exposed to heat.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A tropical plant (Mimosa pudica) whose leaves close and fold inward when touched or exposed to heat.
A term for someone who is easily upset, offended, or emotionally reactive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily botanical term in both, with identical literal meaning. The figurative use for a person is slightly more common in British English.
Connotations
Figurative use often carries a slightly humorous or light-hearted tone, implying oversensitivity.
Frequency
Low-frequency term overall, slightly higher in horticultural or educational contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sensitive plant” in a Sentence
[Verb phrase] the sensitive plant.The sensitive plant [action verb].[Person] is a sensitive plant.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sensitive plant” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The leaves will sensitive-plant if you brush against them.
American English
- The foliage sensitives when touched.
adverb
British English
- The leaflets closed sensitive-plant quickly.
American English
- It folded sensitive-plant fast.
adjective
British English
- It has a sensitive-plant nature.
American English
- We observed the sensitive-plant reaction.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in botany/biology to refer to Mimosa pudica.
Everyday
Rare; used when describing the specific plant or humorously describing a person.
Technical
Scientific name: Mimosa pudica.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sensitive plant”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sensitive plant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sensitive plant”
- Using it to mean any delicate plant.
- Confusing it with 'Venus flytrap'.
- Using the figurative sense in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) is a carnivorous plant that traps insects. A sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) simply folds its leaves when touched.
Yes, but it is a figurative, often humorous or slightly critical, colloquial use to mean someone who is easily upset or offended.
Mimosa pudica is native to Central and South America but has been naturalized in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
It is a form of thigmonasty (touch response) believed to be a defense mechanism against herbivores and possibly to reduce water loss during strong winds.
A tropical plant (Mimosa pudica) whose leaves close and fold inward when touched or exposed to heat.
Sensitive plant is usually botanical/scientific; occasionally figurative/colloquial in register.
Sensitive plant: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsen.sə.tɪv ˈplɑːnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsen.sə.t̬ɪv ˈplænt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a bit of a sensitive plant (figurative).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A plant that is SENSITIVE to TOUCH, like a person who is sensitive to criticism.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PERSON IS A PLANT (especially one with reactive qualities). EMOTIONAL REACTIVITY IS PHYSICAL REACTION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a 'sensitive plant' (Mimosa pudica)?