secondary quality

American  

noun

Epistemology.

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

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Etymology

Origin of secondary quality

First recorded in 1690–1700

Example Sentences

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

From General Bramble by Maurois, André

Color is a secondary quality, therefore less important than form.

From Modern Painters Volume I (of V) by Ruskin, John

Color is a secondary quality, therefore less important than form.

From Modern Painters Volume I (of V) by Ruskin, John

But color is, after all, a very secondary quality as compared with form.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 08, No. 45, July, 1861 by Various

The goods displayed in the windows are of a secondary quality, at best; and the people who throng the pavements are people who want second-rate articles.

From The International Monthly, Volume 4, No. 1, August, 1851 by Various