impatiens

noun

im·​pa·​tiens im-ˈpā-shənz 

-shən(t)s

: any of a widely distributed genus (Impatiens of the family Balsaminaceae) of annual or perennial herbs with irregular spurred or saccate flowers and forcefully dehiscent capsules compare touch-me-not

Examples of impatiens in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Including a cactus whose shape resembles a brain and a variety of impatiens that look like dancing girls. —Allison Futterman, Discover Magazine, 11 May 2022

The impatiens necrotic spot virus and the disease Pythium wilt have both been around for years. —Los Angeles Times, 21 Dec. 2022

Pair it with impatiens in a shady spot, but take note: Keep caladium away from pets, especially those who like to chew on plants. —Terri Robertson, Country Living, 1 Aug. 2022

So far, the main damage is to hostas, 1 tropical hibiscus and some impatiens. —Janet B. Carson, Arkansas Online, 25 July 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, impatient

First Known Use

1785, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for impatiens

• carnations
• cetaceans
• citations
• collations
• creations
• cremations
• croatians
• crustaceans
• donations
• durations
• fixations
• flirtations

Kids Definition

impatiens

noun

im·​pa·​tiens im-ˈpā-shənz 

-shən(t)s

: any of a large genus of herbs that produce often brightly colored flowers