sensitive

¹sen·si·tive

adjective \ˈsen(t)-sə-tiv, ˈsen(t)s-təv\

Definition of SENSITIVE

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>

— sen·si·tive·ly adverb

— sen·si·tive·ness noun

Examples of SENSITIVE

1. He acts like a tough guy, but he's really very sensitive to criticism.
2. I found him to be a sensitive and caring person.

Origin of SENSITIVE

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin sensitivus, probably alteration of sensativus, from sensatus sensate

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SENSITIVE

Synonyms

delicate, fine, keen, perceptive, quick, acute, sharp

Antonyms

insusceptible, invulnerable, unexposed, unsusceptible

Related Words

accurate, clear, discerning, good, piercing, precise, receptive, sensible, subtle; hair-trigger, hyperacute, hypersensitive, oversensitive, supersensitive

Near Antonyms

bad, deadened, dimmed, dull, dulled, fading; dead, imperceptive, insensible, insensitive, numb; imprecise, inaccurate

See Synonym Discussion at liable

Other Anatomy Terms

bilateral symmetry, carotid, cartilage, dorsal, entrails, prehensile, renal, solar plexus, supine, thoracic, ventral

²sensitive

noun

Definition of SENSITIVE

1

: a person having occult or psychical abilities

2

: a sensitive person

First Known Use of SENSITIVE

1838

sen·si·tive

adjective \ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, ˈsen(t)-stiv\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SENSITIVE

1

: sensory 2 <sensitive nerves>

2

a : receptive to sense impressions b : capable of being stimulated or excited by external agents (as light, gravity, or contact) <a photographic emulsion sensitive to red light> <sensitive protoplasm>

3

: highly responsive or susceptible: as a : easily hurt or damaged <sensitive skin>; especially : easily hurt emotionally b : excessively or abnormally susceptible : hypersensitive <sensitive to egg protein> c : capable of indicating minute differences <sensitive scales> d : readily affected or changed by various agents (as light or mechanical shock) <a sensitive colloid>

—sen·si·tive·ness noun