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
3.
a cocktail made from champagne and orange juice
Word origin
C18: from New Latin, probably from Latin mīmusmime, because the plant's sensitivity to touch imitates the similar reaction of animals
mimosa in American English
(mɪˈmoʊsə; maɪmoʊsə; mɪmoʊzə; maɪmoʊzə)
noun
1.
any of a large genus (Mimosa) of trees, shrubs, and herbs of the mimosa family, growing in warm regions and usually having bipinnate leaves, and heads or spikes of small, white, yellow, or pink flowers
2.
any of several similar trees of this family, including the albizia
3.
a drink made of champagne and orange juice
adjective
4.
designating a family (Mimosaceae, order Fabales) of dicotyledonous, leguminous trees and shrubs,including acacia and mesquite
Word origin
ModL < L mimus: see mime: from the apparent mimicry of the sensitivity of animal life
Examples of 'mimosa' in a sentence
mimosa
A heavy scent, mimosa or bougainvillaea, gave the air an oppressive, physical quality.
Various LOOKING FOR THE SPARK (1990)
She wandered over to the wing bridge door and opened it, allowing the night wind to blow in the scent of mimosa.
Terman, Douglas CORMORANT (1990)
They passed red-roofed villas, fields of carnations, mimosa groves, plantations of lemon and orange trees.
Sillitoe, Alan THE OPEN DOOR (1990)
The sunset is fading to violet; feathers of mimosa glow in the last light.