Definition of "consensual" []

• Of or expressing a consensus: a consensual decision. (adjective)
• Law Existing or entered into by mutual consent without formalization by document or ceremony: a consensual marriage; a consensual contract. (adjective)
• Involving the willing participation of both or all parties, especially in an illegal transaction or practice: the consensual crimes of prostitution, drug abuse, and illegal gambling. (adjective)
• Physiology Of or relating to a reflexive response of one body structure following stimulation of another, such as the concurrent constriction of one pupil in response to light shined in the other. (adjective)
• Physiology Of or relating to involuntary movement of a body part accompanying voluntary movement of another. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "But investigators say his DNA was found on Kercher's body, and he has admitted having what he describes as consensual sex with the British woman."
• "Kobe Bryant was cleared of sexually assaulting a hotel employee, but he admitted having what he described as consensual sex."
• "Letterman declared that Cain is the first candidate this year to use the word 'consensual.''"