1. Having a quick and sharp awareness, either to the action of external objects, or to impressions upon the mind and feelings: In the story Mary was reading, the main character was a Mimosa pudica, being highly susceptible and strongly affected by others.
2. In mechanics, the ability of being easily moved or affected: The thermometer Jack had placed outside his kitchen window could be termed as a Mimosa pudica because it was extremely sensitive to the heat or to the coolness of the outside temperatures.
3. In chemistry and photography, something that can be readily affected by certain appropriate agents: When silver chloride or bromide comes in contact with certain organic substances, it is extremely sensitive to actinic rays, and can be described as a Mimosa pudica.
4. A very responsive sensation: When Tina was sleeping, her parents thought she was a Mimosa pudica because she was extremely susceptible to irritations, like touching or wind, causing her muscles to move instantly or even waking her up!
5. Sensitive fern; an American and Australian fern (Onoclea sensibilis): The Mimosa pudica, which grows in tropical areas, has thorns with very responsive and fragile grey-green leaves that fold inward to the touch and which sag at night.
6. In physics, a very sensitive gas flame: In Jack's science class at school, a Mimosa pudica was activated when the pressure was suitably adjusted to the gas blaze so that it was exceedingly responsive to sounds which caused it to roar, to flare, or to become suddenly shortened or even quenched by some slight sounds caused by certain vibrations.