Advertisement

Advertisement

impatiens

[ im-pey-shuhnz ]

noun

, plural im·pa·tiens.
  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.


impatiens

/ ɪmˈpeɪʃɪˌɛnz /

noun

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


Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of impatiens1

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

Discover More

Word History and Origins

Origin of impatiens1

C18: New Latin from Latin: impatient; from the fact that the ripe pods burst open when touched

Discover More

Example Sentences

To calm his nerves, he planted impatiens in his Georgetown garden.

Terra satis ferax, frugiferarum arborum impatiens, pecorum fcunda, sed plerumque improcera.

This quality is expressed twice over in the Latin name Impatiens noli-me-tangere.

The garden balsam is an annual plant, Impatiens balsamina, and the balsam apple is the fruit of Momordica balsamina, nat.

The production of a flower-bud has even been noticed on the root of a species of Impatiens.

The two genera best known in British gardens are Balsamina and Impatiens.

Advertisement

Word of the Day

flabbergast

[flab-er-gast ]

Meaning and examples

Start each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!

By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement


impatienceimpatient