The sensitivity of a thermometer refers to the smallest temperature change that it can detect or measure. In other words, it measures how fine or precise the thermometer is in detecting changes in temperature. A thermometer with high sensitivity is able to detect even small changes in temperature, while a thermometer with low sensitivity may only detect larger temperature fluctuations.
Therefore, in the given options, the statement "the smallest temperature change that can be detected or measured" accurately describes the sensitivity of a thermometer.