n.
   - a physical feeling or perception resulting from something that happens to or comes into contact with the body. ▸the capacity to have such feelings or perceptions. 
- an inexplicable awareness or impression.
- a widespread reaction of interest and excitement. ▸a person or thing that arouses such interest and excitement. 
Etymology
  C17: from med. L. sensatio(n-), from L. sensus (see sense).