n 1 a  :  a mental process (as seeing, hearing, or smelling) due to immediate bodily stimulation often as distinguished from awareness of the process - compare PERCEPTION   b  :  awareness (as of heat or pain) due to stimulation of a sense organ  c  :  a state of consciousness of a kind usu. due to physical objects or internal bodily changes <a burning in his chest>   2  :  something (as a physical object, sense-datum, pain, or afterimage) that causes or is the object of sensation .
 
   
 
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