mimosa
Mimosa (noun) means a plant with delicate, prickly leaves that fold up when touched, and small fluffy pink or white flowers. Example: “The mimosa plant on the windowsill closes its leaves whenever the cat brushes past it.”
How to use mimosa
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the touch-sensitive flowering plant, or the popular brunch cocktail of champagne and orange juice.
Word forms
mimosas plural, mimosae plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ plant on the windowsill closes its leaves whenever the cat brushes past it.
Etymology
From New Latin mimosa, based on Latin mimus ("actor"), a nod to the plant's "performance" of shrinking away when touched. The cocktail takes its name from the bright yellow flowers of a related mimosa tree.
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for mimosa
See all rhymes for mimosa →Frequently asked questions
What does “mimosa” mean?
The word “mimosa” means a plant with delicate, prickly leaves that fold up when touched, and small fluffy pink or white flowers. In plain terms, either the touch-sensitive flowering plant, or the popular brunch cocktail of champagne and orange juice.
How do you pronounce “mimosa”?
“Mimosa” is pronounced mih-MOH-suh (/mɪˈmoʊ.sə/ in IPA).
How do you use “mimosa” in a sentence?
Here is “mimosa” used in a sentence: “The mimosa plant on the windowsill closes its leaves whenever the cat brushes past it.”
What part of speech is “mimosa”?
“Mimosa” is a noun.
Where does the word “mimosa” come from?
The word “mimosa” comes from New Latin. From New Latin mimosa, based on Latin mimus ("actor"), a nod to the plant's "performance" of shrinking away when touched. The cocktail takes its name from the bright yellow flowers of a related mimosa tree.
How many meanings does “mimosa” have?
“Mimosa” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plant with delicate, prickly leaves that fold up when touched, and small fluffy pink or white flowers.