- sensitive
- sensitive [sen′sə tiv]adj.[ME sensitife < MFr sensitif < ML sensitivus < L sensus: see SENSE]1. of the senses or sensation; esp., connected with the reception or transmission of sense impressions; sensory2. receiving and responding to stimuli from outside objects or agencies; having sensation3. responding or feeling readily and acutely; very keenly susceptible to stimuli [a sensitive ear]4. easily hurt; tender; raw5. having or showing keen sensibilities; highly perceptive or responsive intellectually, aesthetically, etc.6. easily offended, disturbed, shocked, irritated, etc., as by the actions of others; touchy7. changing readily in the presence of some external force or condition; specif.,a) readily affected by light: said of photographic film, etc.b) readily receiving very weak radio signalsc) operating readily in weak light, as certain television camera tubes8. designed to indicate or measure small changes or differences9. showing, or liable to show, unusual variation; fluctuating [a sensitive stock market ]☆ 10. designating, of, or dealing with secret or delicate matters, esp. secret or delicate government mattersn.MEDIUM (n. 7)sensitivelyadv.sensitivenessn.
English World dictionary. V. Neufeldt. 2014.