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). perceivable adj. perceiver n.
[ ME f. OF perçoivre, f. L percipere (as PER-, capere take) ]