Does ' kāma' mean 'sensual'?

A Pali dictionary says the root of kāma is [√kam](https://dpdict.net/?tab=dpd&q=kam) ' meaning 'desire', 'wishing', 'delighting'. The Pali suttas contain the stock phase about kāma: > Pañcime kāmaguṇā. > > There are these five kāma strings. > > Katame pañca? > > What five? > > Cakkhuviññeyyā rūpā iṭṭhā kantā manāpā piyarūpā kāmūpasaṁhitā > rajanīyā, > > Cognizable by the eye forms, wished for, desirable, agreeable, of endearing form, connected with kāma, leading to lust. > > Yaṁ kho ime pañca kāmaguṇe paṭicca uppajjati sukhaṁ somanassaṁ — ayaṁ kāmānaṁ assādo. > > Whatever truly towards these five kāma strings (accusative case), being dependent upon, arise (verb) pleasure & happiness - this is kāma's gratification/enjoyment/taste. > > [MN 13](https://suttacentral.net/mn13/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=linebyline&reference=none¬es=sidenotes&highlight=true&script=latin) - DD attempted hyper literal translation In English, the term 'sensual' is supposed to mean: > "Sensual" refers to words that express sensations and pleasures that > appeal to the five senses. This term focuses on sensibility and > emotions, mentioning aesthetic charm and how things are felt. Sensual > things emphasize feeling and making others feel. > > For example: > > - Her sensual dance captivated the audience. > > - This sensual fragrance has a relaxing effect. In contrast, in English, the term 'seductive' is supposed to mean: > On the other hand, "seductive" expresses the possession of attraction > or alluring elements. This term focuses on the power to attract others > and attractive elements. Seductive things emphasize evoking people's > desires and interests. > > For example: > > - His seductive smile attracts everyone. > > - That seductive sweet voice is the secret to her popularity. In conclusion: > Thus, "sensual" focuses on sensibility and emotions, expressing > aesthetic charm and how things feel. In contrast, "seductive" > expresses the power to attract others and alluring elements. > > [HiNative](https://hinative.com/questions/24203881) To add: > Sensual - expressing or suggesting physical, especially sexual, > pleasure or satisfaction > > Seductive - making you want to do, have, or believe something, because > of seeming attractive > > [Cambridge Dictionary](https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/seductive) Yesterday, I was pondering MN 115, the sutta about the many types of elements (if fact, i did a 65 minute audio/video on it) and, today, I was attempting to put MN 115 into practice in a certain highly sensory environment, for the sake of developing more clarity about MN 115, My mind sensed the term 'sensual element' was not strongly realistic, pertinent or meaningful in relation to the sense experience or sense impacts because the term 'sensual' implies 'beauty' and thus overlooks the underlying 'defiled', 'oozy' or 'sticky' aspect of kāma. In pondering the sense objects around me, it was not only the operation of my mind's mentality i was attempting to discern; but i was also attempting to discern the kāma dhatu within those very sense objects, particularly the sense of 'expression' or 'assertiveness' or 'need' manifesting from within those sense objects which themselves also have a desire to look attractive and to be noticed. Thus, my mind concluded, the most realistic & pertinent translation of 'kāma' is '[seductivity](https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/seductivity) '. I guess this post may already be a strong argument however I wish for the opinions of others. What are the pros & cons of 'kāma' translated as 'sensuality' vs 'seductivity'? Note: I am reviewing the translation of each of the elements in MN 115