impatiens

im·pa·tiens

 (ĭm-pā′shənz, -shəns)

n. pl. impatiens

Any of various plants of the genus Impatiens, especially several species that are widely cultivated for their colorful flowers and attractive foliage. Also called balsam.

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[Latin impatiēns, impatient (so called because the ripe pods burst open when touched); see impatient.]

impatiens

(ɪmˈpeɪʃɪˌɛnz)

n, pl -ens

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

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

im•pa•tiens

(ɪmˈpeɪ ʃənz)

n., pl. -tiens.

any of numerous plants belonging to the genus Impatiens, of the balsam family, having irregular, spurred flowers.

[1880–85; < New Latin, Latin impatiēns not tolerating (see impatient); alluding to the plant's quick release of seeds upon slight contact]

Translations

impatiens

[ɪmˈpeɪʃɪˌenz] N → impatiens f