səˌseptəˈbiləd.ē, -lətē, -i noun
( -es )
Etymology: Medieval Latin susceptibilitat-, susceptibilitas, from Late Latin susceptibilis susceptible + Latin -itat-, -itas -ity
1. : the quality or state of being susceptible : capability of or capacity for being acted upon, impressed, affected, or moved
susceptibility of a city to a submarine attack
susceptibility of a metal to corrosion
specifically : the state of being sensitive or predisposed (as to a pathogen, familial disease, drug) : sensitivity , idiosyncrasy 2b
the susceptibility of a plant to a virus
a test for susceptibility to scarlet fever
— compare resistance , species specificity
2.
a. : a susceptible temperament, nature, or constitution : the character of being sensitive, affectible, impressionable, emotional
the susceptibility of various social groups to Communist doctrine — Sidney Hook
or especially amorous
his susceptibility to women interfered with his impartial judgment
b. susceptibilities plural : feelings, sensibilities
the mere thought of the enormity did outrage to her moral susceptibilities — Arnold Bennett
when present at a ceremonial, the utmost care must be taken not to do or say anything to offend the susceptibilities of the people — Notes & Queries on Anthropology
3.
a. : the ratio of the magnetization in a substance to the corresponding magnetizing force
b. : the ratio of the electric polarization to the electric intensity in a polarized dielectric