[sen.su.ous] adj [L sensus sense + E -ous] (1640) 1 a: of or relating to the senses or sensible objects b: producing or characterized by gratification of the senses: having strong sensory appeal "~ pleasure"
2: characterized by sense impressions or imagery aimed at the senses "~ verse"
3: highly susceptible to influence through the senses -- sen.su.os.i.ty n -- sen.su.ous.ly adv -- sen.su.ous.ness n syn sensuous, sensual, luxurious, voluptuous mean relating to or providing pleasure through gratification of the senses. sensuous implies gratification of the senses for the sake of aesthetic pleasure "the sensuous delights of great music". sensual tends to imply the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of the physical appetites as ends in themselves "a life devoted to sensual pleasures". luxurious suggests the providing of or indulgence of sensuous pleasure inducing bodily ease and languor "a luxurious hotel". voluptuous implies more strongly an abandonment esp. to sensual pleasure "a voluptuous feast".