impatiens

[ im-pey-shuh nz ]

/ ɪmˈpeɪ ʃənz /

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.

Nearby words

impassive, impaste, impasto, impatent, impatience, impatiens, impatient, impawn, impeach, impeachable, impeachment

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for impatiens

I have only recorded a single instance, and in this a honey bee was seen to perforate the fragile spurs of Impatiens.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 841, February 13, 1892|Various
Observed Sabia in some of the jungles; the only interesting plants gathered were an Impatiens and two or three Acanthaceæ.
Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and The|William Griffith
In similar low places, Impatiens graminifolia of Churra was seen, and Hedysarum gyrans.
Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and The|William Griffith
The two genera best known in British gardens are Balsamina and Impatiens.
Botany for Ladies|Jane Loudon

Three species of Impatiens, two with bright pink flowers are common.
Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and The|William Griffith

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012