impatiens
[ im-pey-shuhnz ]
/ ɪmˈpeɪ ʃənz /
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noun, plural im·pa·tiens.
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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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
Words nearby impatiens
impassive, impaste, impasto, impatent, impatience, impatiens, impatient, impawn, impeach, impeachable, impeachment
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for impatiens
impatiens
/ (ɪmˈpeɪʃɪˌɛnz) /
noun plural -ens
any balsaminaceous plant of the genus Impatiens, such as balsam, touch-me-not, busy Lizzie, and policeman's helmet
Word Origin for impatiens
C18: New Latin from Latin: impatient; from the fact that the ripe pods burst open when touched
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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