impatiens

American  

[im-pey-shuhnz] / ɪmˈpeɪ ʃənz /

noun

1. any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, of the balsam family, having irregular flowers in which the calyx and corolla are not clearly distinguishable and bearing fruit that bursts open to scatter the seeds.

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impatiens British  

/ ɪmˈpeɪʃɪˌɛnz /

noun

1. any balsaminaceous plant of the genus Impatiens, such as balsam, touch-me-not, busy Lizzie, and policeman's helmet

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• impatiens
  plural

Etymology

Origin of impatiens

1880–85; < New Latin, Latin impatiēns not enduring, not tolerating ( see impatient); alluding to the plant's quick release of seeds upon slight contact; compare the familiar name touch-me-not

Example Sentences

If you’re ready for a break from the usual begonias and impatiens, try a few of these flamboyant annuals and tender perennials: ● Petunia integrifolia: A cascading petunia with little violet flowers.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 29, 2023

The virus, impatiens necrotic spot virus, or INSV, and the disease, Pythium wilt, have both been around for years.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2022

I asked if I could plant a section, and soon I was coaxing marigolds and New Guinea impatiens from their cells and threading them through the holes toward the base of the dinosaur side.

From Washington Post • Apr. 11, 2018

Bougainvillea and hibiscus, canna lilies, four o’clocks, impatiens, zinnias.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 28, 2016

“It’s the bright yellow one with the white impatiens under the porch.”

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt