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mimosa

mimosa (plant or cocktail)

noun mee-MOH-zah Rare
Animals & Nature Plants

Origin: Modern Latin Mimosa, from Latin mimus (mime, imitator) — the leaves 'mimic' sensitivity

Usage Note

Mimosa refers to the flowering acacia tree whose bright yellow blossoms are iconic in the South of France and in Corsica, celebrated each February at the Fête du Mimosa in Bormes-les-Mimosas. In French cuisine, oeufs mimosa are devilled eggs whose yolk crumbles resemble the flower. The cocktail sense (sparkling wine and orange juice) is understood but less common than the English 'mimosa'.

Examples

"Le mimosa en fleur annonce l'arrivée du printemps."

Natural Translation

The mimosa in bloom announces the arrival of spring.

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