v.tr.
1. apprehend, esp. through the sight; observe.
2 (usu. foll. by that, how, etc. + clause) apprehend with the mind; understand.
3 regard mentally in a specified manner (perceives the universe as infinite).
Derivatives:
perceivable adj. perceiver n.
Etymology: ME f. OF per{ccedil}oivre, f. L percipere (as PER-, capere take)