Main Entry: pri·or·i·ty

Pronunciation: \prī-ˈȯr-ə-tē, -ˈär-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural pri·or·i·ties

Date: 14th century

1 a (1) : the quality or state of being prior (2) : precedence in date or position of publication —used of taxa b (1) : superiority in rank, position, or privilege (2) : legal precedence in exercise of rights over the same subject matter
2 : a preferential rating; especially : one that allocates rights to goods and services usually in limited supply <that project has top priority>
3 : something given or meriting attention before competing alternatives