ˈsench(ə)wəl adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin sensualis, from Latin sensus sense + -alis -al
1. : of, relating to, or affecting the sense organs or senses : perceptible or perceived through the sensory apparatus : sensory
sensual objects
sensual perception
2. : relating to or consisting in the gratification of the senses or the indulgence of appetite : carnal , fleshly
3.
a. : devoted to or preoccupied with the senses or appetites
a sensual enjoyment of bodily strength
the sensual content of a pampered cat
b. : involving or oriented to the voluptuous or lewd
sensual excesses
a very sensual man
c. : deficient in moral, spiritual, or intellectual interests : worldly ; especially : irreligious
4. : materialistic
a sensual doctrine
sensual approaches to a problem
5. : relating to the doctrine of sensationalism
6. : indicative of or affected by sensuality
a sensual age
sensual faces
Synonyms: see carnal , sensuous