sensual
Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
sensual /ˈsɛnsjʊəl, -ʃʊəl/
▶adjective
- 1 relating to the physical senses, especially as a source of pleasure.
- 2 arousing sexual or other physical gratification.
– derivatives
sensualism noun,
sensualist noun,
sensuality noun,
sensualize (or sensualise) verb,
sensually adverb.
sensualism noun,
sensualist noun,
sensuality noun,
sensualize (or sensualise) verb,
sensually adverb.
usage: The words sensual and sensuous are frequently used interchangeably to mean ‘gratifying the senses’, especially in a sexual sense. This goes against a traditional distinction, by which sensuous is the more neutral term, meaning ‘relating to the senses rather than the intellect’. In practice, the connotations of sensuous are such that it is difficult to use it neutrally, and evidence suggests that this use is indeed rare in modern English. If a neutral meaning is intended it is advisable to use alternative wording.
'sensual' also found in these Oxford entries:
Dionysiac
- dissipated
- dissolute
- fleshly
- hedonism
- libertine
- pleasure
- sensuous
- voluptuary
- voluptuous

