View synonyms for sensitivity

sensitivity

[ sen-si-tiv-i-tee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

plural sensitivities

the state or quality of being sensitive; sensitiveness.
Physiology.
1. the ability of an organism or part of an organism to react to stimuli; irritability.
2. degree of susceptibility to stimulation.
Electricity.
1. 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.
2. 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.

sensitivity

/ ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

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

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Other Words From

anti·sensi·tivi·ty noun plural antisensitivities adjective
nonsen·si·tivi·ty noun plural nonsensitivities

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Word History and Origins

Origin of sensitivity¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; sensitive + -ity

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Synonym Study

See sensibility.

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Example Sentences

Chinese companies are aware of these sensitivities and Mr Tang was quick to tell the BBC that "privacy was a red line" for his company.

From BBC

"The inquiry has operated and will continue to operate with sensitivity to the live nature of criminal proceedings that may conceivably extend to some time beyond the life of the inquiry," he added.

From BBC

“This doesn’t mean Americans should cancel their travel plans, but they should be aware of their surroundings, practice cultural sensitivity, and take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks.”

From Los Angeles Times

There are clear political sensitivities in where the cuts are likely to fall.

From BBC

With a new satellite, Carbon Mapper is focusing on high resolution, high sensitivity and rapid detection, to more precisely detect emissions from super-emitters.

From BBC

Related Words

sensitive plant sensitivity group

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