sensitivity

[sen-si-tiv-i-tee]

noun

plural

sensitivities 

1. the state or quality of being sensitive; sensitiveness.

2. Physiology.

   1. the ability of an organism or part of an organism to react to stimuli; irritability.

   2. degree of susceptibility to stimulation.

3. Electricity.

   1. the ability of a radio device to react to incoming signals, expressed as the minimum input signal required to produce a specified output signal with a given noise level.

   2. the input, as voltage, current, or the like, required to produce full deflection in an electric measuring device, expressed as the ratio of the response to the magnitude of the input quantity.

sensitivity

/ ˌsɛnsɪˈtɪvɪtɪ /

noun

1. the state or quality of being sensitive

2. physiol the state, condition, or quality of reacting or being sensitive to an external stimulus, drug, allergen, etc

3. electronics the magnitude or time of response of an instrument, circuit, etc, to an input signal, such as a current

4. photog the degree of response of an emulsion to light or other actinic radiation, esp to light of a particular colour, expressed in terms of its speed

Other Word Forms

• antisensitivity noun
• nonsensitivity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensitivity¹

First recorded in 1795–1805; sensitive + -ity

Synonym Study

See sensibility.

Example Sentences

"The network structure plays a key role in enhancing sensitivity, and we've shown it can be done using relatively simple circuits."

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The researchers then evaluated a range of cardiometabolic health indicators, including cholesterol, triglycerides, insulin sensitivity, liver fat levels, inflammation, and blood vessel function.

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Incorporating exposures to securities and sectors whose performance is driven by factors beyond inflation and interest-rate movements can help support returns and reduce sensitivity to shifting rate environments.

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A major scientific review has found that what many people call "gluten sensitivity" may actually be linked to the way the gut and brain communicate, not to gluten itself.

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Gwen Aaron, who works with bereavement charities, said sensitivity and clear communication are crucial when informing families of a death.

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Related Words

• awareness 
• feeling 
• nervousness 
• sense 
• subtlety 
• sympathy