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impatiens

noun im·pa·tiens \ im-ˈpā-shənz , -shən(t)s \

Definition of impatiens

: 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

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Recent Examples of impatiens from the Web

Then pick some of the shorter growing but colorful plants including angelonia, begonias, crossandra, impatiens, marigolds, pentas, salvia, torenia and zinnias for the summer months.

— tom maccubbin, OrlandoSentinel.com, "How to make your own summer cutting garden," 1 June 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'impatiens.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of impatiens

New Latin, from Latin, impatient

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First Known Use: 1785

in the meaning defined above

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See words that rhyme with impatiens Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about impatiens

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