sensation

Everyday

1. A feeling in the body that comes from the senses: a burning sensation, a tingling sensation. tree →
2. The ability to feel through the body: loss of sensation in the fingers. tree →
3. A general feeling that is hard to explain: a strange sensation of being watched. tree →
4. Great excitement and interest, or a person or thing causing it: The new singer is a sensation. tree →

In the lessons

In science, sensation is how nerves and the brain detect touch, heat, cold and pain. In first aid, loss of sensation can mean an injury — get help. In stories a «strange sensation» builds tension. In news a «sensation» is a big hit; adjective sensational (amazing).

Examples

• I felt a tingling sensation in my foot. tree →
• Cold weather can cause a loss of sensation in your fingers. tree →
• She had the odd sensation that someone was behind her. tree →
• The dancing dog became an internet sensation. tree →
• Spicy food gives a burning sensation on the tongue. tree →
• The goal caused a sensation in the stadium. tree →
• Here the Caliph’s arrival created the greatest sensation. tree →

Note

Countable in most senses. Adjective: sensational (very exciting, often in newspapers). Do not confuse with «sensible» (wise) or «sensitive» (easily affected).