Main Entry: ¹pri·ma·ry

Pronunciation: \ˈprī-ˌmer-ē, ˈprīm-(ə-)rē\

Function: adjective

1 a (1) : first in order of time or development (2) : relating to or being the deciduous teeth and especially the 20 deciduous teeth in the human set b (1) : arising spontaneously : idiopathic <primary insomnia> <the absence of any pelvic abnormality confirmed the diagnosis of primary dysmenorrhea> (2) : being an initial tumor or site especially of cancer <efforts to find the primary tumor have failed—Raphael Feinmesser> c : providing primary care <a primary physician>
2 : not derivable from other colors, odors, or tastes
3 : belonging to the first group or order in successive divisions, combinations, or ramifications <primary nerves>
4 : of, relating to, or being the amino acid sequence in proteins <primary protein structure>—compare secondary 3, tertiary 2c
5 : resulting from the substitution of one of two or more atoms or groups in a molecule ; especially : being or characterized by a carbon atom having a bond to only one other carbon atom