[per.cep.tion] n [L perception-, perceptio act of perceiving, fr. percipere] (14c) 1 a: a result of perceiving: observation b: a mental image: concept
2. obs: consciousness 3 a: awareness of the elements of environment through physical sensation "color ~" b: physical sensation interpreted in the light of experience
4. a: quick, acute, and intuitive cognition: appreciation b: a capacity for comprehension syn see discernment -- per.cep.tion.al adj