n.
Pronunciation: ' a-tr ə - ˌ byüt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Latin attributus, past participle of attribuere to attribute, from ad- + tribuere to bestow ― more at TRIBUTE
Date: 14th century
1 : an inherent characteristic also : an accidental quality
2 : an object closely associated with or belonging to a specific person, thing, or office <a scepter is the attribute of power> especially : such an object used for identification in painting or sculpture
3 : a word ascribing a quality especially : ADJECTIVE
synonyms see QUALITY