■ adjective
1》 quick to detect, respond to, or be affected by slight changes, signals, or influences.
↘(of photographic materials) responding rapidly to the action of light.
2》 having or showing a quick and delicate appreciation of the feelings of others.
3》 easily offended or upset.
4》 kept secret or with restrictions on disclosure to avoid endangering national security.
■ noun a person supposedly able to respond to paranormal influences.
Derivatives
~ly adverb
~ness noun
Origin
ME (in the sense 'sensory'): from OFr. sensitif , -ive or med. L. sensitivus , formed irregularly from L. sentire 'feel'.