primal

[ prahy-muhl ]

adjective

1. first; original; primeval:

   primal eras before the appearance of life on earth.

2. of first importance; fundamental:

   the primal resources of a nation.

primal

/ ˈpraɪməl /

adjective

1. first or original
2. chief or most important

Other Words From

• non·primal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of primal¹

From the Medieval Latin word prīmālis, dating back to 1535–45. See prime, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of primal¹

C17: from Medieval Latin prīmālis, from Latin prīmus first

Example Sentences

For a strange hour, one could digest Sunday brunch, laugh, cry, reflect, bop along to the music, quietly listen or let it all out in a deafening collective primal scream.

From Los Angeles Times

What Trump is summoning is very primal and extremely dangerous.

From Salon

With this time granted by Death, Agatha melds her two primal instincts –– motherhood and survival.

From Salon

There, workers methodically dismantle carcasses into primal cuts: chuck, rib, loin, flank, shank.

From Salon

Reflecting on her character's journey in the film, Adams explained: "Through her parenting - through her mothering - she got in touch with something bigger and something primal."

From BBC

Related Words

• primordial