primary quality

noun

, Epistemology.

1. any of the qualities inherent in an object, namely quantity, extent, figure, solidity, and motion or rest.

Word History and Origins

Origin of primary quality¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

In other words, the marble has the primary quality of matter, extension.

From Project Gutenberg

We leave it to you intact and actual—not deducting even a single primary quality.

From Project Gutenberg

It is a primary quality of the nervous system, present or absent to the degree determined by each individual's original nature.

From Project Gutenberg