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 case of the former, a "secondary quality"; and extension a case of the latter, a "primary quality."

From The Approach to Philosophy by Perry, Ralph Barton

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

From Books and Characters French and English by Strachey, Giles Lytton

Reason, which gets so much vulgar glorification, is, after all, a secondary quality.

From Confessions and Criticisms by Hawthorne, Julian