Main Entry: sen·si·tive

Pronunciation: \ˈsen(t)-sət-iv, ˈsen(t)-stiv\

Function: adjective

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