Part 233

Sen*so"ri*um (?), n.; pl. E. Sensoriums (#), L. Sensoria (#). [L., fr. sentire, sensum, to discern or perceive by the senses.] (Physiol.) The seat of sensation; the nervous center or centers to which impressions from the external world must be conveyed before they can be perceived; the place where external impressions are localized, and transformed into sensations, prior to being reflected to other parts of the organism; hence, the whole nervous system, when animated, so far as it is susceptible of common or special sensations.

Sen*so`ri-vo*li"tion*al (?), a. (Physiol.) Concerned both in sensation and volition; -- applied to those nerve fibers which pass to and from the cerebro- spinal axis, and are respectively concerned in sensation and volition. Dunglison.

Sen"so*ry (?), n.; pl. Sensories (&?;). (Physiol.) Same as Sensorium.

Sen"so*ry, a. (Physiol.) Of or pertaining to the sensorium or sensation; as, sensory impulses; -- especially applied to those nerves and nerve fibers which convey to a nerve center impulses resulting in sensation; also sometimes loosely employed in the sense of afferent, to indicate nerve fibers which convey impressions of any kind to a nerve center.

Sen"su*al (?), a. [L. sensualis, from sensus sense: cf. F. sensuel.] 1. Pertaining to, consisting in, or affecting, the sense, or bodily organs of perception; relating to, or concerning, the body, in distinction from the spirit.

Pleasing and sensual rites and ceremonies.

Bacon.

Far as creation's ample range extends, The scale of sensual, mental powers ascends.

Pope.

2. Hence, not spiritual or intellectual; carnal; fleshly; pertaining to, or consisting in, the gratification of the senses, or the indulgence of appetites; wordly.

These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

Jude 19.

The greatest part of men are such as prefer . . . that good which is sensual before whatsoever is most divine.

Hooker.

3. Devoted to the pleasures of sense and appetite; luxurious; voluptuous; lewd; libidinous.

No small part of virtue consists in abstaining from that wherein sensual men place their felicity.

Atterbury.

4. Pertaining or peculiar to the philosophical doctrine of sensualism.

Sen"su*al*ism (?), n. [Cf. F. sensualisme.] 1. The condition or character of one who is sensual; subjection to sensual feelings and appetite; sensuality.

2. (Philos.) The doctrine that all our ideas, or the operations of the understanding, not only originate in sensation, but are transformed sensations, copies or relics of sensations; sensationalism; sensism.

3. (Ethics) The regarding of the gratification of the senses as the highest good. Krauth- Fleming.

Sen"su*al*ist, n. [CF. F. sensualiste.] 1. One who is sensual; one given to the indulgence of the appetites or senses as the means of happiness.

2. One who holds to the doctrine of sensualism.

Sen`su*al*is"tic (?), a. 1. Sensual.

2. Adopting or teaching the doctrines of sensualism.

Sen`su*al"i*ty (?), n. [CF. F. sensualité, L. sensualitas sensibility, capacity for sensation.] The quality or state of being sensual; devotedness to the gratification of the bodily appetites; free indulgence in carnal or sensual pleasures; luxuriousness; voluptuousness; lewdness.

Those pampered animals That rage in savage sensuality.

Shak.