noun / verb
sense
The capacity to perceive a stimulus.
A dog's keen sense of smell helps it find hidden food.
Etymology
Latin sensus means perception or feeling. The faculty sense names the capacity by which a particular kind of stimulus is perceived.
More examples
- We use several senses to enjoy a meal.
- She senses vibrations through the soles of her feet.
- I sense a little tension in the room.
Forms
sense · senses · sensed · sensing
sensory adjective — Related to the body's physical senses.
Similar words
- perception
- Emphasizes receiving and interpreting sensory information, rather than a particular faculty.
- detect
- Emphasizes discovering something present, often through observation or instruments.