Main Entry: per·cep·tion

Pronunciation: \pər-ˈsep-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, from percipere

Date: 14th century

1 a : a result of perceiving : observation b : a mental image : concept
2 obsolete : consciousness
3 a : awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation <color perception> b : physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4 a : quick, acute, and intuitive cognition : appreciation b : a capacity for comprehension

synonyms see discernment

— per·cep·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective