sensitive 
or a person of w7/tv nature-: figuratively ex- 
tended to inanimate objects. 
She was too sensitive to abuse ami calumny. Macaiditii. 
We are sensitive to faults in those we love, while com- 
mitting them ourselves as if by chartered right. 
Stedman, Viet. Poets, p. 137. 
What is commonly called a sensitive person is one whose 
sense-organs cannot go on responding as the stimulus in- 
creases in strength, but become fatigued. 
J. Sully, Outlines of Psychol., p. 145. 
Specifically (a) In cntom., noting parts of the surface nl" 
the antennee which are peculiarly modified and, it is sup- 
posed, subservienttosomespecial sense. These surf aces ex- 
hibit ail immense number of microscopical pores, covered 
with a very delicate transparent membrane ; they may be 
generally diffused over the joints or variously arranged in 
patches, the position of which has been used in the classi- 
fication of certain families of Colcoptera. (6) Susceptible 
in a notable degree to hypnotism ; easily hypnotized or 
mesmerized, 
I borrow the term sensitive, for magneto-physiological 
reaction, from vegetable physiology, in which plants of 
definite irritability . . . are called sensitive. 
neichenbach, Dynamics (trans., 1851), p. 58. 
(c) Noting a condition of feverish liability to fluctuation : 
said of markets, securities, or commodities. 
4. So delicately adjusted as to respond quickly 
to very slight changes of condition: said of in- 
struments, as a balance. 5. Inchem. and pho- 
tog., readily affected by the action of appro- 
priate agents : as, iodized paper is sensitive to 
the action of light. 6f. Sensible; wise; ju- 
dicious. 
To Princes, therefore, counsaylours, rulers, gouernours, 
and magistrates, as to the most intellectiue and sensitiue 
partes of the societie of men, hath God and nature geuen 
preeminence. 
R. Eden (First Books on America, ed. Arber, p. xl.). 
Sensitive brier. See Schrankia..- Sensitive cogni- 
tion. See coijnition. Sensitive fern, the fern Onoclea 
sensibilis : so called from the slight tendency of the seg- 
ments of the fronds, after being detached and while wilt- 
ing, to fold together. D. C. Eaton, Ferns of North Amer- 
ica, II. 198. Sensitive flames, flames which are easily 
affected by sounds, being made to lengthen out or contract, 
or change their form in various ways. The most sensi- 
tive flame is produced by burning gas issuing from a small 
taper jet. Such a flame will be affected by very small 
noises, as the ticking of a watch held near it, or the clink- 
ing of coins at a considerable distance. The gas must be 
turned on so that the flame is just at the point of flaring. 
Sensitive joint-vetch. See vetch. Sensitive love, 
pea, power. See the nouns. Sensitive plant. See 
sensitive-plant. = Syn. 2 and 3. Sentient, etc. See sensible. 
II. n. If. Something that feels; a sensorium. 
2. A sensitive person; specifically, one who 
is sensitive to mesmeric or hypnotic influences 
or experiments. See I., 3 (6). 
For certain experiments it is much to be desired that 
we should find more sensitives of every kind. 
Proc. Soc. Psych. Research, II. 48. 
First sensitivet [tr. Gr. irpciroi- aifffl^Tucdr), the common 
sense in the Aristotelian use. 
sensitively (sen'si-tiv-li), adv. In a sensitive 
manner. 
sensitiveness (sen'si-tiv-nes), . The proper- 
ty or character of being sensitive ; especially, 
tendency or disposition to be easily influenced 
or affected by external objects, events, or cir- 
cumstances: as, abnormal sensitiveness; thesen- 
sitiveness of a balance or some fine mechanism. 
Parts of the body which lose all sensitiveness come to be 
regarded as external things. 
G. T. Ladd, Physiol. Psychology, p. 401. 
sensitive-plant (sen'si-tiv-plant), . The trop- 
ical and greenhouse plant Mimosa pudica ; the 
humble-plant. It is mechanically irritable in a higher 
degree than almost any other plant. The leaves are bi- 
pinnate, the very numerous linear leaflets ranked on two 
pairs of branches which are inserted close to the end of 
the common petiole, thus appearing digitate. At night 
each leaf curves downward and the leaflets fold together, 
and in the daytime a slight touch causes them to assume 
the same position. It has purple flowers in heads on long 
peduncles. It is widely diffused through the tropics, na- 
tive at least in South America and naturalized in the 
southern United States. The name is extended to other 
sensitive mimosas, as M. sensitiva, which is irritable in a 
less degree, and sometimes to the whole genus. Bastard 
sensitive-plant, .Eschynamene Americana. [West In- 
dies.] Wild sensitive-plant, (a) Mimosa strigUlosa of 
the southern border of the United States. (V) Same as 
sensitive pea (which see, under peal). 
sensitivity (sen-si-tiv'i-ti), . [< sensitive + 
-ity.] The state of being sensitive ; sensitive- 
ness. Specifically (a) In chem. and pholog., the quality 
of being readily affected by the action of appropriate 
agents : as. the sensitii'ity of silvered paper. More usual- 
ly expressed by sensitiveness, (b) In physial., sensibility ; 
irritability, especially of the receptive organs, (c) In pty- 
chol., acuteness of sense-discrimination ; the difference of 
sensations produced by any two fixed excitations of like 
quality but different intensity. 
If the sensitivity of women were superior to that of men, 
the self-interest of merchants would lead to their being al- 
ways employed [as pianoforte- tuners, wine- and tea-tasters, 
wool-sorters, etc.]. Galton, Human Faculty, p. 30. 
sensitization (sen"si-ti-za'shou), . [< sensi- 
tize + -ation.] The act, process, or result of 
sensitizing, or rendering sensitive. 
5495 
After sensitization which occupies from thirty to tifty 
seconds the plate is removed from the bath by raising 
it first with a bent silver hook, and then seizing it by one 
corner with the hand. Silver Sunbeam, p. 236. 
sensitize (sen'si-tiz), v. t. ; pret. and pp. si'iixi- 
tizcd, ppr. xnixiti~ing. [< sensitive) + -ire.] 
To render sensitive; specifically, inpliotog., to 
render capable of being acted on by actinic 
rays of light : as, sensitized paper, or a sensitised 
plate. See sensitized paper, under paper. 
It was as if the paper upon his desk was sensitized, tak- 
ing photographs of nature around. 
W. M. Baker, New Timothy, p. 5. 
sensitizer (sen'si-ti-zer), n. One who or that 
which sensitizes ; specifically, in photog., the 
chemical agent or bath by which films or sub- 
stances are rendered sensitive to light, 
sensitometer (sen-si-tom'e-ter), n. [< sensi- 
t(ice) + Gr. uerpov, measure.] An apparatus 
or device of any kind for testing or determin- 
ing the degree of sensitiveness of photographic 
films, emulsions, etc.; also, loosely, the sensi- 
tiveness of a plate (generally expressed in num- 
bers) as indicated by a sensitometer. 
sensitory (sen'si-to-ri), n. ; pi. sensitories (-riz). 
[< sense! + -it-ory'.] Same as sensorium, 1. 
sensivet (sen'siv), a. [< sense 1 + -ive.] Pos- 
sessing sense or feeling ; sensitive. 
Shall sensive things be so sensless as to resist sense ? 
Sir P. Sidney, Arcadia, i. 
The infection, 
Which as a subtle vapour spreads itself 
Confusedly through every sensive part. 
B. Jonson, Every Man in his Humour, ii. 1. 
sensomotor (sen'so-m6"tor), . [< L. sensiis, 
sense (see sense 1 ), '+ motor, a mover: see mo- 
tor.] Same as scnsorimotor. 
sensor (sen' sor), a. [<NL. *sensorius: see sen- 
sory.] Sensor}'. 
Various combinations of disturbances in the sensor tract 
lead to the appropriate combinations of disturbances in 
the motor tract. W. K. CKford, Lectures, II. 108. 
sensoria, . Plural of sensorium. 
sensorial (sen-so'ri-al), a. [< sensory or senso- 
ri(um) + -al.] Of or pertaining to the senso- 
rium : as, sensorial power or effect ; also, of or 
pertaining to sensation; sensory: opposed to 
material: as, a sensorial nerve. 
Sensorial images are stable psychic facts; we can hold 
them still and look at them as long as we like. 
W. James, Mind, IX. 14. 
sensoridigestive (sen'so-ri-di-jes"tiv), a. [< 
NL. *sensorius (see sensory) + E. digestive.] 
Partaking of digestive functions and those of 
touch or other senses, as the tongue of a ver- 
tebrate animal, the maxillse of insects, etc. A. 
S. Packard. 
sensorimotor (sen'so-ri-m6"tor), a. Sensory 
and motor; pertaining both to sensation and 
to motion. Also sensomotor. 
We have seen good reason to believe that certain areas 
of the cerebral cortex are especially connected with cer- 
tain corresponding sensory-motor activities. 
G. T. Ladd, Physiol. Psychology, p. 537. 
Sensorimotor nerve, a mixed nerve, composed of both 
sensory and motor fibers. 
sensoriolum (sen-so-ri'o-lum), ?i.; pi. sensoriola 
(-la). [NL., dim. of LL. sensorium : see senso- 
rium.] A little sensorium. See second extract 
under sensorium. 
sensorium (sen-so'ri-um), n. ; pi. sensoria, aen- 
Koriums (-a, -umz). [= P. sensorium = Sp. Pg. 
It. sensorio, < LL. sensorium, the seat or organ 
of sensation, < L. sensus, sense : see sewsei. Cf. 
sensory.] 1 . A supposed point in or part of the 
brain where sensation resides or becomes mani- 
fest; the so-called "seat of the soul"; hence, 
the undetermined part of the nervous system in 
which molecular activity of certain kinds and 
certain grades of intensity immediately causes 
sensation ; loosely, the brain, or the brain and 
spinal cord ; especially, the gray matter of these 
organs, or any nervous ganglion regarded as a 
center of sensation. Also sensory, sensitory. 
The ringing of the bell, and the rap at the door, struck 
likewise strong upon the sensorivm of my Uncle Toby. 
Sterne, Tristram Shandy, ii. 10. 
The noblest and most exalted way of considering . . . 
infinite space is that of Sir Isaac Newton, who calls it the 
sensorium of the Godhead. Brutes and men have their 
sensoriola, or little semoriums, by which they apprehend 
the presence, and perceive the actions, of a few objects 
that lie contiguous to them. Aildison, Spectator, No. 565. 
2. In biol., the whole sensory apparatus of the 
body, or physical mechanism of sensation, in- 
cluding the skin and entire nervous system as 
well as the special sense-organs; all the parts, 
organs, and tissues of the body which are capa- 
ble of receiving or transmitting impressions 
from without. In this sense, sensorium is correlated 
with the other three principal apparatus, the motor, nu- 
sensualist 
tritive, and reproductive; and sensorium and moturium 
are together contrasted, as the "animal organ-system," 
with the nutritive and reproductive apparatus which 
constitute the "vegetative organ-system. 
sensoriyolitional (sen's<i-ri-vo-lish"on-al), a. 
Pertaining to sensation and volition, or volun- 
tary motion: as, the sensorivolitional nervous 
system. 
sensory (sen'so-ri), a. and n. [< NL. "sensorius, 
pertaining to sense or sensation (cf. LL. senso- 
riuui, neut., the seat or organ of sensation : see 
sensorium), <.ii.sensus,sense: see sensel .] I. a. 
1. Of or pertaining to the sensorium, in either 
sense. 2. Conveying sensation, as a nerve; 
pertaining to sensation ; sensorial; giving rise 
to sensation; sentient; sensitive: as, a sensory 
surface of the body Sensory aphasia. See apha- 
sia. Sensory nerve, a nerve conveying sensory impulses, 
or, more strictly, one composed exclusively of sensory 
fibers : nearly equivalent to afferent nerve. 
II. .; pi. sensories (-riz). 1. Same as senso- 
rium, 1. 
Is not the sensory of animals the place to which the 
sensitive substance is present, and into which the sensi- 
ble species of things are carried through thenerves of the 
brain, that there they may be perceived by their imme- 
diate presence to that substance? Newton, Opticks. 
2f. An organ or a faculty of sense. 
God, who made this sensorie [the eye], did with the great- 
est ease and at once see all that was don thro' the vast 
universe. Evelyn, Diary, March 9, 1690. 
Common sensory. See common, 
sensual (sen'su-al), a. [= P. sensuel = Pr. Sp. 
Pg. sensual = It. sensuale, < LL. sensualis, en- 
dowed with feeling, sensual, < L. sensus, feeling, 
sense : see sense 1 . ] 1 . Pertaining to, consisting 
in, or affecting the senses or bodily organs of 
perception ; relating to the senses or sensation ; 
sensible. 
Far as creation's ample range extends 
The scale of sensual, mental pow'rs ascends. 
Pope, Essay on Man, i. 208. 
Scepticism commonly takes up the room left by defect 
of imagination, and is the very quality of mind most 
likely to seek for sensual proof of supersensual things. 
Lowell, Among my Books, 1st ser. , p. 149. 
2. Relating to or concerning the body, in dis- 
tinction from the spirit; not spiritual or intel- 
lectual; carnal; fleshly. 
The greatest part of men are such as prefer . . . that 
good which is sensual before whatsoever is most divine. 
Hooker. 
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, 
sensual, devilish. Jas. iii. 15. 
These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having 
not the Spirit. Jade 19. 
There is no Religion so purely spiritual, and abstracted 
from common natural Ideas and sensual Happiness, as the 
Christian. Howetl, Letters, ii. 9. 
3. Specifically, pertaining to or consisting in 
the gratification of the senses, or the indul- 
gence of appetite : as, sensual pleasures. 
You will talk of the vulgar satisfaction of soliciting 
happiness from sensual enjoyment only. 
Goldsmith, Citizen of the World, vi. 
4. Given to or characterized by the indulgence 
of appetite ; devoted to the pleasures of sense 
and appetite; especially, voluptuous; lewd. 
No small part of virtue consists in abstaining from that 
in which sensual men place their felicity. Bp. Attertntry. 
5. In philos., asserting sensation to be the 
only source of knowledge; pertaining, relat- 
ing, or peculiar to sensualism as a philosophi- 
cal doctrine Sensual idea, an idea in the mind, as 
distinguished from an idea in the brain, or material idea ; 
an idea which exists in the mind by virtue of a sensa* 
tion. Also sensible idea.=&yn. Sensuous, Sensual, Car- 
nal, Voluptuous. Sensuous has taken the not unfavorable 
meanings connected with the use of the senses, and sen- 
sual the unfavorable ones, implying degradation or gross- 
ness ; hence we speak of sensuous perception or delight, 
and of sensual pleasures.. Carnal, connected with the flesh, 
gratifying the animal nature, sometimes is the same as 
sensual, and sometimes, from its frequent use in the Bible, 
especially conveys the idea of the sinfulness of the act, 
character, etc. Voluptuous expresses the disposition to 
gratify the nicer tastes in the pleasures of sense, and to 
carry this gratification to softness or an elegant sensuality. 
A voluptuous beauty is such as to excite this disposition in 
him who sees it and to stimulate sexual desire. 
sensualisation, sensualise. BeeMMmftMttwi, 
sensuali'e. 
sensualism (sen'su-al-izm), w. [= P. sensua- 
lisiiic = Sp. Pg. Mfinialumo; ^ sensual + -ism.] 
1. A state of subjection to sensual feelings and 
appetites; sensuality; especially, lewdness. 
Tyrants, by the sale of human life, 
Heap luxuries to their sensualism. 
Shelley, Queen Mab, v. 
2. In iilii/os., the doctrine that the only source 
of knowledge is sensation ; sensationalism. 
AISO XI-Hsixlll. 
sensualist (sen'su-al-ist), . [= F. sensualists 
= Sp. Pg. seitsualista ; as sensual + -ist.] 1. 
