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

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

To be vivid is a secondary quality which must presuppose the first; for vividly to convey a wrong impression is only to make failure conspicuous.

From The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition Vol. 16 (of 25) by Stevenson, Robert Louis

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

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

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

Because we know not the real constitutions of substances, on which each secondary quality particularly depends.

From An Essay Concerning Humane Understanding, Volume 2 MDCXC, Based on the 2nd Edition, Books 3 and 4 by Locke, John