sensation

noun

1. the operation or function of the senses; perception or awareness of stimuli through the senses.
2. a mental condition or physical feeling resulting from stimulation of a sense organ or from internal bodily change, as cold or pain.
3. Physiology. the faculty of perception of stimuli.
4. a general feeling not directly attributable to any given stimulus, as discomfort, anxiety, or doubt.
5. a mental feeling, especially a state of excited feeling.
6. a state of excited feeling or interest caused among a number of persons or throughout a community, as by some rumor or occurrence.
7. a cause of such feeling or interest: The new Brazilian movie was the sensation of the film festival.

noun

1. the power of perceiving through the senses
2. a physical condition or experience resulting from the stimulation of one of the sense organsa sensation of warmth
3. a general feeling or awarenessa sensation of fear
4. a state of widespread public excitementhis announcement caused a sensation
5. anything that causes such a stateyour speech was a sensation

n.1610s, “a reaction to external stimulation of the sense organs,” from French sensation (14c.) and directly from Medieval Latin sensationem (nominative sensatio), from Late Latin sensatus “endowed with sense, sensible,” from Latin sensus “feeling” (see sense (n.)). Meaning “state of shock, surprise, in a community” first recorded 1779. The great object of life is sensation — to feel that we exist, even though in pain. It is this ‘craving void’ which drives us to gaming — to battle, to travel — to intemperate, but keenly felt, pursuits of any description, whose principal attraction is the agitation inseparable from their accomplishment. [Lord Byron, letter, Sept. 6, 1813] n.

1. A perception associated with stimulation of a sense organ or with a specific body condition.
2. The faculty to feel or perceive; physical sensibility.
3. An indefinite, generalized body feeling.