Main Entry: sen·sa·tion

Pronunciation: \sen-ˈsā-shən, sən-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Medieval Latin sensation-, sensatio, from Late Latin, understanding, idea, from Latin sensus

Date: 1615

1 a : a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) resulting from the immediate external stimulation of a sense organ often as distinguished from a conscious awareness of the sensory process — compare perception b : awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ c : a state of consciousness due to internal bodily changes <a sensation of hunger> d : an indefinite bodily feeling <a sensation of buoyancy>
2 : something (as a physical stimulus, sense-datum, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation
3 a : a state of excited interest or feeling <their elopement caused a sensation> b : a cause of such excitement <the show was the musical sensation of the season>; especially : one (as a person) in some respect exceptional or outstanding <the rookie hitting sensation of the American League>