I. ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv, ˈsen(t)s-təv adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, probably alteration of sensativus, from sensatus sensate
Date: 15th century
1. : sensory 2
2.
a. : receptive to sense impressions
b. : capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact)
sensitive cells
3. : highly responsive or susceptible: as
a.
(1) : easily hurt or damaged ; especially : easily hurt emotionally
(2) : delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others
b. : excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive
sensitive to egg protein
c. : readily fluctuating in price or demand
sensitive commodities
d. : capable of indicating minute differences : delicate
sensitive scales
e. : readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock)
a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light
f. : highly radiosensitive
4.
a. : concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters
sensitive documents
b. : calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment : touchy
a sensitive issue like race relations
5. : having or showing concern for a specified matter — usually used in combination
a price -sensitive customer
environmentally sensitive policies
Synonyms: see liable
• sen·si·tive·ly adverb
• sen·si·tive·ness noun
II. noun
Date: 1838
1. : a person having occult or psychical abilities
2. : a sensitive person