I. ˈsench(ē)ənt adjective
Etymology: Latin sentient-, sentiens, present participle of sentire to feel, perceive — more at sense
1. : capable of sensation and of at least rudimentary consciousness
a sentient being
the conception … of impulsive, instinctive, and sentient life — Susanne K. Langer
these highly sentient , motile, instinctive, and often intelligent creatures — D.C.Peattie
2.
a. : consciously perceiving : aware — used with of
he alone is sentient of the intolerable load — Elinor Wylie
a boy so sentient of his surroundings — W.A.White
b. : conscious or capable of fine distinctions or perceptions : sensitive
at its best democracy breeds the sentient person — Elizabeth Bowen
the problems which confront us all as sentient responsible beings — Randall Stewart
3. : capable of receiving and reacting to sensory stimuli
the sentient cells of the brain
4. : marked by the stimulation or exercise of the senses or of conscious perception
the highly sentient quality in the experiences — G.A.Woods
her … conviction of the tragedy of the sentient life — Hudson Strode
II. noun
( -s )
: a sentient being ; also : the conscious mind