secondary quality

noun

, Epistemology.

1. one of the qualities attributed by the mind to an object perceived, such as color, temperature, or taste.

Word History and Origins

Origin of secondary quality¹

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

"Likeness is quite a secondary quality," said Aurelle condescendingly.

From Project Gutenberg

It is in fact almost entirely in this secondary quality that their interest lies; their ostensible subject-matter is unimportant.

From Project Gutenberg