ultra-sensitive
Meaning
extremely sensitive; reacting very strongly or quickly to small changes or stimuli.
Structure
Usage
the ultra-sensitive microphone picked up even the faintest whisper in the room.
her ultra-sensitive skin requires special hypoallergenic skincare products.
the device is ultra-sensitive to changes in atmospheric pressure, making it ideal for weather forecasting.
Etymology
The word 'ultra-sensitive' is a Modern English compound formed by combining the Latin prefix 'ultra-' with the adjective 'sensitive'. The prefix 'ultra-', derived from Latin, literally means 'beyond' and has been used in English since the 19th century to denote an extreme degree, as seen in words like 'ultramodern' or 'ultraviolet'. The base word 'sensitive' originates from the Latin verb 'sentire', meaning 'to feel', which passed into English via Old French. When combined, the morphemes create a term whose literal logic is "beyond feeling" or "excessively capable of sensation," accurately describing something with an exceptionally high degree of responsiveness.
Analysis
ultra (from latin 'ultra', meaning 'beyond, on the other side', used as an intensifying prefix); sensitive (from latin 'sensitivus', meaning 'capable of sensation', from 'sentire' meaning 'to feel').