mimosa

[mi-moh-suh, -zuh]

noun

1. any of numerous plants, shrubs, or trees belonging to the genus Mimosa, of the legume family, native to tropical or warm regions, having small flowers in globular heads or cylindrical spikes and often sensitive leaves.

2. any of various similar or related plants, especially of the genus Acacia, as the silver wattle, or Albizzia, as the silk tree.

3. a cocktail of orange juice and champagne, usually in equal parts.

mimosa

/ mɪˈməʊsə, -zə /

noun

1. any tropical shrub or tree of the leguminous genus Mimosa, having ball-like clusters of yellow or pink flowers and compound leaves that are often sensitive to touch or light See also sensitive plant

2. any similar or related tree

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimosa¹

1695–1705; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin mīm ( us ) mime + -ōsa, feminine of -ōsus -ose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of mimosa¹

C18: from New Latin, probably from Latin mīmus _mime , because the plant's sensitivity to touch imitates the similar reaction of animals

Example Sentences

The best brunches in L.A. include seafood towers at a Virgil Village clam shack, live jazz and bottomless mimosas in Sherman Oaks and tableside cinnamon rolls and Bloody Marys in Brentwood, plus much more.

From Los Angeles Times

The stand overhangs the River Thames and this is where the pre-match hospitality takes place with champagne or mimosas served on arrival.

From BBC

Humility and practicality are rarely top of mind in shows like this although, with the right mold, anyone could pull off the frozen orange juice roses Meghan makes for brunch mimosas with her friends.

From Salon

The candy beans mimicked the flavors of blueberry maple pancakes, chocolate doughnuts, caramel cold brew, cinnamon rolls, berry smoothies and mimosa cocktails.

From Seattle Times

Last year, my sister threw an epic Mother’s Day brunch with incredible treats, tea cakes and a mimosa bar.

From Seattle Times