primary

²primary

noun

plural -ries

Definition of PRIMARY

1

: something that stands first in rank, importance, or value : fundamental —usually used in plural

2

: the celestial body around which one or more other celestial bodies revolve; especially : the more massive usually brighter component of a binary star system

3

: one of the usually 9 or 10 strong quills on the distal joint of a bird's wing — see wing illustration

4

a : primary color b : the sensation of seeing primary colors

5

a : caucus b : an election in which qualified voters nominate or express a preference for a particular candidate or group of candidates for political office, choose party officials, or select delegates for a party convention

6

: the coil that is connected to the source of electricity in an induction coil or transformer —called also primary coil

First Known Use of PRIMARY

1656