mimosa

 
Pronunciation: /mɪˈməʊzə, -sə/

noun

  • 1an Australian acacia tree with delicate fern-like leaves and yellow flowers.
    • Acacia dealbata, family Leguminosae
  • 2a plant of a genus that includes the sensitive plant.
    • Genus Mimosa, family Leguminosae
  • 3North American a drink of champagne and orange juice.

Origin:

modern Latin, apparently from Latin mimus 'mime' (because the plant seemingly mimics the sensitivity of an animal) + the feminine suffix -osa