noun

carnality

kar-NAL-uh-tee/kɑrˈnæləti/

Preoccupation with bodily pleasure, especially sexual desire.

The couple's absorption in chocolate and intimate touch conveys carnality.

An adult couple absorbed in bodily pleasure: a woman savors a chocolate with closed eyes while her male partner kisses her neck, and she draws him closer.

Etymology

carnLatinflesh

+alLatinrelating to

+ityLatinstate or quality

The pieces express the quality of being “of the flesh.” Here flesh stands for bodily appetites, so carnality names sensual desire rather than simply the condition of having a physical body.

More examples

The novel presents carnality as one force shaping its characters.
The sermon warns against unchecked carnality.
Her analysis explores the tension between restraint and carnality.

Similar words

sensuality: Can describe broad pleasure in the senses beyond sexual desire.
lust: Specifically emphasizes strong sexual craving.