n, pl  -ri*ums  or  -ria   1  :  the parts of the brain or the mind concerned with the reception and interpretation of sensory stimuli : broadly  :  the entire sensory apparatus  2 a  :  ability of the brain to receive and interpret sensory stimuli <decreasing >   b  :  the state of consciousness judged in terms of this ability <a clouded >  <the remained clear>  .
 
   
 
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