adj. & n.
adj. 1 (often foll. by to) very open to or acutely affected by external stimuli or mental impressions; having sensibility. 2 (of a person) easily offended or emotionally hurt. 3 (often foll. by to) (of an instrument etc.) responsive to or recording slight changes. 4 (often foll. by to) a (of photographic materials) prepared so as to respond (esp. rapidly) to the action of light. b (of any material) readily affected by or responsive to external action. 5 (of a topic etc.) subject to restriction of discussion to prevent embarrassment, ensure security, etc. 6 (of a market) liable to quick changes of price.
n. a person who is sensitive (esp. to supposed occult influences). sensitive plant 1 a plant whose leaves curve downwards and leaflets fold together when touched, esp. mimosa. 2 a sensitive person. sensitively adv. sensitiveness n.
[ ME, = sensory, f. OF sensitif -ive or med.L sensitivus, irreg. f. L sentire sens- feel ]