first in order of time or development or in intention; primitive; fundamental; original.-first in order, as being preparatory to something higher; as, primary assemblies; primary schools.-first in dignity or importance; chief; principal; as, primary planets; a matter of primary importance.-earliest formed; fundamental.-illustrating, possessing, or characterized by, some quality or property in the first degree; having undergone the first stage of substitution or replacement.-that which stands first in order, rank, or importance; a chief matter.-a primary meeting; a caucus.-one of the large feathers on the distal joint of a bird's wing. see plumage, and illust. of bird.-a primary planet; the brighter component of a double star. see under planet.