1. A being possessing a sensitive soul or a soul with sensitive powers, both for cognition (internal and external senses) and appetition (concupiscible and irascible appetites). 2. The genus to which all beings possessing a sensitive soul or a soul with sensitive powers belong. 3. A synonym for non-rational animals (classically referred to as “brute animals”). According to the first two definitions, human beings can be considered animals since the human soul possesses sensitive powers, but not according to this third definition.