mimosa
mimosa Lexical Profile
mimosa Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Specifically, the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), a creeping perennial herb of the family Fabaceae native to Central and South America, noted for its compound leaves that rapidly fold inward and droop when touched or shaken.
"The biology teacher gently brushed the leaves of the mimosa to demonstrate rapid plant movement to the class."
Any of various tropical or subtropical shrubs, trees, and herbs of the genus Mimosa or related genera in the pea family (Fabaceae), widely cultivated for their feathery bipinnate foliage and showy, fragrant clusters of globular pink, yellow, or purple blossoms.
"The garden path was lined with blooming mimosa, filling the warm afternoon air with a sweet floral scent."
A popular brunch cocktail composed of chilled champagne or sparkling wine mixed with citrus juice, typically orange juice.
"The guests toasted the newlyweds with glasses of chilled mimosa during the Sunday morning brunch."
• Rhymes for mimosa
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in Modern Latin from the Latin word 'mimus' (meaning 'mime' or 'actor'), in reference to how the leaves of certain species fold inward when touched, mimicking conscious animal sensitivity. The cocktail sense was named at the Hotel Ritz in Paris in the 1920s because its bright yellow color resembled the blossoms of the mimosa tree.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.