Wiktionary:Word of the day/2022/October 26

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noli me tangere n

(Christianity, art) A picture depicting Jesus appearing to Mary Magdalene shortly after his resurrection from the dead (see the etymology). A warning to avoid or not to interfere. Someone (such as a disagreeable person) or something (such as a painful experience or taboo topic) to be avoided or not interfered with. Any of various plants with fruits or seed capsules that, when ripe, burst open and discharge their seeds when touched, or with leaves that fold and droop when touched. Some plants of the genus Impatiens; specifically, the touch-me-not balsam or yellow balsam (Impatiens noli-tangere). The squirting cucumber (Ecballium elaterium). (archaic) The sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica), the leaves of which fold inwards and droop when shaken or touched. (medicine, obsolete) Any of various diseases causing ulcers of the skin and underlying tissues, especially of the face; many of these diseases are now thought to be due to basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

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