primordial

pri·mor·di·al

adj \prī-ˈmȯr-dē-əl\

Definition of PRIMORDIAL

1

a : first created or developed : primeval 1 b : existing in or persisting from the beginning (as of a solar system or universe) <a primordial gas cloud> c : earliest formed in the growth of an individual or organ : primitive <primordial cells>

2

: fundamental, primary <primordial human joys — Sir Winston Churchill>

— pri·mor·di·al·ly \-dē-ə-lē\ adverb

Examples of PRIMORDIAL

1. <all life on Earth supposedly came from a primordial ooze in existence many millions of years ago>

Origin of PRIMORDIAL

Middle English, from Late Latin primordialis, from Latin primordium origin, from primus first + ordiri to begin — more at prime, order

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PRIMORDIAL

Synonyms: ancient, primal, primeval, primitive, early

Antonyms: late

Related Words: budding, embryonic, germinal, infant; aged, age-old, antediluvian, antiquated, antique, dateless, hoary, old, prehistoric (also prehistorical); obsolete, outmoded, out-of-date, passé

Near Antonyms: advanced, complex, developed, evolved, high, higher; full-blown, full-fledged, full-scale

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