[
UK
/pɹˈaɪməɹi/
]
[ US /ˈpɹaɪˌmɛɹi/ ]
[ US /ˈpɹaɪˌmɛɹi/ ]
ADJECTIVE
-
not derived from or reducible to something else; basic
a primary instinct -
of or being the essential or basic part
a basal reader
an elementary need for love and nurturing -
of first rank or importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary
primary sources
a primary interest
primary goals
a primary effect -
most important element
policemen were primary targets
the chief aim of living
the principal example
the master bedroom
a master switch
the main doors were of solid glass
the principal rivers of America
NOUN
- (astronomy) a celestial body (especially a star) relative to other objects in orbit around it
-
coil forming the part of an electrical circuit such that changing current in it induces a current in a neighboring circuit
current through the primary coil induces current in the secondary coil - one of the main flight feathers projecting along the outer edge of a bird's wing
- a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen
How To Use primary In A Sentence
- An AFTRA statement confirmed the issues' importance, calling the 1% increase the union's "primary objective" in the bargaining. Jonathan Handel: AFTRA, Networks Reach New Three Year Deal
- No matter that there were no green beans or zucchinies or that bok choy is Asian not Mediterranean, minestrone is primarily a vegetable soup and so long as you have a couple of primary flavours right, the rest will take care of itself. At My Table
- Patients with primary infection tend to be clinically ‘sicker’ than those who are reinfected.
- Based on age, the children are divided into the primary, intermediate, junior and senior levels.
- Adding to my trepidation is this primary poll from Survey USA, which confirms Roulstone's campaign doesn't yet have the profile it needs. Sound Politics: Roulstone Update
- Some animals may consume insignificant amounts of the primary production.
- Our company has targeted career women as our primary customers.
- The primary reason for the adoption of this life-style is the attitude to the economic rewards of work.
- Primary sporocysts were obtained after overnight axenic culture of miracidia as described.
- So asking them to use mild soaps and weaning them away from perfumes and deodorants is our primary task,’ he said.