sensation

(sĕn-sāˈshən)

1. a. A perception associated with stimulation of a sense organ or with a specific body condition: the sensation of heat; a visual sensation.
   b. The faculty to feel or perceive; physical sensibility: The patient has very little sensation left in the right leg.
   c. An indefinite generalized body feeling: a sensation of lightness.
2. A state of heightened interest or emotion: “The anticipation produced in me a sensation somewhat between bliss and fear” (James Weldon Johnson).
3. a. A state of intense public interest and excitement: “The purser made a sensation as sailors like to do, by predicting a storm” (Evelyn Waugh).
   b. A cause of such interest and excitement. See Synonyms at wonder.