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English Dictionary

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 primary primary /ˈpraɪˌmɛri/

adjective

  1. () Of first rank, importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary  ( primary )
    of first rank, importance or value; direct and immediate rather than secondary
     Primary goals
    primary goals
     A primary effect
    a primary effect
     Primary sources
    primary sources
     A primary interest
    a primary interest
  2. () Not derived from or reducible to something else; basic  ( primary )
    not derived from or reducible to something else; basic
     A primary instinct
    a primary instinct
  3. () Most important element  ( master , primary , chief , main , principal )
    most important element
     The chief aim of living
    the chief aim of living
     The main doors were of solid glass
    the main doors were of solid glass
     The principal rivers of America
    the principal rivers of America
     The principal example
    the principal example
     Policemen were primary targets
    policemen were primary targets
     The master bedroom
    the master bedroom
     A master switch
    a master switch
  4. Of or being the essential or basic part  ( basal , elemental , elementary , primary )
    of or being the essential or basic part
     An elementary need for love and nurturing
    an elementary need for love and nurturing
     A basal reader
    a basal reader

noun

  1. () A preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen  ( primary election , primary )
    a preliminary election where delegates or nominees are chosen
      The primary objective was to ensure the safety of the citizens.
    The primary objective was to ensure the safety of the citizens.
  2. () One of the main flight feathers projecting along the outer edge of a bird's wing  ( primary feather , primary quill , primary )
    one of the main flight feathers projecting along the outer edge of a bird's wing
  3. Coil forming the part of an electrical circuit such that changing current in it induces a current in a neighboring circuit  ( primary , primary coil , primary winding )
    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
    current through the primary coil induces current in the secondary coil
  4. (astronomy) a celestial body (especially a star) relative to other objects in orbit around it  ( primary )
    (astronomy) a celestial body (especially a star) relative to other objects in orbit around it