[sen.si.tive] adj [ME, fr. MF sensitif, fr. ML sensitivus, prob. alter. of sensativus, fr. sensatus sensate] (15c) 1: sensory
2. 2 a: receptive to sense impressions b: capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact) "a photographic emulsion ~ to red light" "~ protoplasm"
3: highly responsive or susceptible: as a (1): easily hurt or damaged; esp: easily hurt emotionally (2): delicately aware of the attitudes and feelings of others b: excessively or abnormally susceptible: hypersensitive "~ to egg protein" c: readily fluctuating in price or demand "~ commodities" d: capable of indicating minute differences: delicate "~ scales" e: readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock) f: highly radiosensitive
4. a: concerned with highly classified government information or involving discretionary authority over important policy matters "~ documents" b: calling for tact, care, or caution in treatment: touchy "a ~ issue like race relations" syn see liable -- sen.si.tive.ly adv -- sen.si.tive.ness n
[2]sensitive n (1850) 1: a person having occult or psychical abilities
2: a sensitive person