Sensitivity


the state or quality of being sensitive; sensitiveness.
Physiology.

the ability of an organism or part of an organism to react to stimuli; irritability.
degree of susceptibility to stimulation.

Electricity.

the ability of a radio device to react to incoming signals, expressed as the minimum input signal required to produce a specified output signal with a given noise level.
the input, as voltage, current, or the like, required to produce full deflection in an electric measuring device, expressed as the ratio of the response to the magnitude of the input quantity.

Contemporary Examples

Only someone with very deep ethical commitments could have the sensitivity to notice this, and get away with writing about it.
The Collector: Rebecca Solnit on Textual Pleasure, Punk, and More Lauren Elkin July 1, 2013

They must be accepted with respect, compassion, and sensitivity.
Catholic University’s Harvey Milk Ban Reflects A Church In Transition Jay Michaelson October 2, 2014

He is mostly acting with considerable skill and sensitivity in this ultra dangerous situation.
Leave Iran to the Iranians Leslie H. Gelb June 20, 2009

And the longer-term solution is this: Elect more leaders with a sensitivity to the issues surrounding gender-based assault.
It Could Have Been Your Daughter Amy Siskind October 29, 2009

Even corporations, which should be on their side, started in with the diversity training and sensitivity sessions.
Why Conservatives Forgive Sex Scandals Michael Tomasky October 31, 2011

Historical Examples

And the study of sensitivity, action, and consciousness is the field of psychology.
The Science of Human Nature William Henry Pyle

There are several factors that determine the sensitivity of the method.
The Atomic Fingerprint Bernard Keisch

This fact may perhaps also serve as additional evidence of the sensitivity of able men.
Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development Francis Galton

Don’t handle crystals with your fingers as this destroys their sensitivity.
The Radio Amateur’s Hand Book A. Frederick Collins

This difference indicates the grade of sensitivity that the weights in the tray are designed to test.
Inquiries into Human Faculty and Its Development Francis Galton

noun (pl) -ties
the state or quality of being sensitive
(physiol) the state, condition, or quality of reacting or being sensitive to an external stimulus, drug, allergen, etc
(electronics) the magnitude or time of response of an instrument, circuit, etc, to an input signal, such as a current
(photog) the degree of response of an emulsion to light or other actinic radiation, esp to light of a particular colour, expressed in terms of its speed
n.

1803, from sensitive + -ity. Sensitivity training attested by 1954.

sensitivity sen·si·tiv·i·ty (sěn’sĭ-tĭv’ĭ-tē)
n.

The quality or condition of being sensitive.

The capacity of an organ or organism to respond to a stimulus.

The proportion of individuals in a population that will be correctly identified when administered a test designed to detect a particular disease, calculated as the number of true positive results divided by the number of true positive and false negative results.

Read Also:

  • Sensitize

    to render . Photography. to render (a film or the like) to light or other forms of radiant energy. Immunology. to render to an antigenic substance. to become sensitized. Historical Examples To sensitize, immerse the silk in a 20 grain solution of silver nitrate for about sixteen minutes. Photographic Amusements, Ninth Edition Walter E. Woodbury […]

  • Sensuality

    nature: the sensuality of Keats’s poetry. unrestrained indulgence in pleasures. lewdness; unchastity. Contemporary Examples The spring collection was intended to expound on the female body, sensuality and skin–but not nudity. Louis Vuitton, Chanel, McQueen Cap Paris Spring 2013 Fashion Week Shows Robin Givhan October 2, 2012 It is in no way my job to embody […]

  • Sensuous

    perceived by or affecting the : the sensuous qualities of music. readily affected through the : a sensuous temperament. of or relating to sensible objects or to the . Contemporary Examples Her sensuous, penetrating paintings present an allegorical realm, where beauty is eternal and dreams come true. Julie Heffernan’s Earthly Delights Paul Laster June 24, […]

  • Sentimental

    expressive of or appealing to , especially the tender emotions and feelings, as love, pity, or nostalgia: a sentimental song. pertaining to or dependent on : We kept the old photograph for purely sentimental reasons. weakly emotional; mawkishly susceptible or tender: the sentimental Victorians. characterized by or showing or refined feeling. Contemporary Examples The trend […]

  • Separatist

    a person who , withdraws, or secedes, as from an established church. an advocate of , especially ecclesiastical or political . of, relating to, or designating separatism or separatists: separatist forces; separatist tendencies. Contemporary Examples He also implied that the rockets could be coming from within the separatist ranks. Ukraine Denies Deadly Grad Rocket Attacks […]


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