Main Entry: sen·sa·tion

Pronunciation: \sen-ˈsā-shən, sən-\

Function: noun

1 a : a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) due to immediate bodily stimulation often as distinguished from awareness of the process—compare perception b : awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ c : a state of consciousness of a kind usually due to physical objects or internal bodily changes <a burning sensation in his chest>
2 : something (as a physical object, sense-datum, pain, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation