prim-, primi-, primo-

Medical support from a doctor who diagnoses a patient's condition first and then provides basic treatment or makes a decision that the patient should see a medical specialist: Mary's doctor provides primary care for many people who cannot normally pay for such treatment.

1. An electrical cell that uses an irreversible chemical reaction to generate electricity and, as a result, cannot be recharged: When buying new batteries for her flash light, Linda debated whether to buy primary cell batteries or to invest in rechargeable batteries.
2. A cell consisting of two dissimilar metal electrodes in a solution that acts chemically on one or both of them to produce a voltage: Jack, the auto mechanic, stated that the battery or primary cell in the car was dead and could not be recharged; so, it would need to be replaced.

The first of a process of changing the properties or characteristics of chemical matter through incident radiation: Jane and the students in the chemistry class were expected to write the formulas for primary ionization of specific chemical elements.

A psychoanalytical or medical term referring to the initial, or early, beliefs by an individual that his or her self-centeredness, conceit, and ego are more important than those of others: It was a difficult diagnosis to accept, but Hans was able to understand the notion of primary narcissism as it related to his personality and he vowed to try to change his attitudes about himself and other people.

One or several impairments in visual recognition without any apparent damage of intelligence, motivation, or attention when vision is usually intact and the mind is clear: Individuals who are diagnosed with primary visual agnosia find that objects may be identified by touch, sound, or smell. They may not be able to identify a set of house keys by sight; however, it is possible for the person to recognize the keys when they are held in his or her hands.

1. In religion, an archbishop or bishop ranking first among the bishops of a province or country: The church service to celebrate the completion of the new water works for the town was lead by the local primate who was assisted by several men and women from the community.
2. Any of various mammals which share common characteristics: Primates have the ability to use their hands for tasks, have oppositional thumbs, are able to climb, have eyes at the front of the face in order to judge distances, and include a tendency towards social behavior and interactions.

Animal primates occupy a wide range of habitats and show a wide diversity of adaptations to their contrasting environments:

• There are terrestrial primates as well as arboreal ones.
• Some primates are active at night as well as by day.
• There are primates that are specialized insectivores as well as fruit-eaters and leaf-eaters.
• As a result, virtually all aspects of primates vary widely from species to species.

A scientist who specializes in the branch of zoology that is concerned with the study of monkeys, the apes, and mankind, and their extinct predecessors: The famed primatologist, Dr. Travis, traveled extensively in the Americas, researching the common characteristics between Old World and New World monkeys.

The scientific study of the members of an order of mammals with large brains and complex hands and feet; including humans, apes, and monkeys: Theodore's son was a specialist in zoology he was compiling a book for students about primatology which he hoped would clarify the habits and activities of the various non-human mammals.

Descriptive of that which is first, most important, or highest in status and degree: When Sylvia went to the butcher's shop, she ordered a prime cut of beef to serve to her guests during the evening meal.

The first or earliest part or time of something: Mary likes to get up in the prime of the day, just as the sun is rising, to go for a jog in the local park.

To prepare, to get ready, to do something beforehand: Jeff, the farmer, had to prime the water pump before it would work efficiently.

Christopher, the tutor, was priming the students in anticipation of the upcoming examinations.

Someone who is believed to be guilty of committing a criminal act: Matilda's cousin is the prime suspect in the robbery of a man who was walking in the park. © ALL rights are reserved.

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The time during the evening when the largest number of people are watching television or listening to the radio: The special program is scheduled to be shown during prime time.

The Olympics is being shown during prime time on many television stations around the world.

An abnormal fear of losing one's virginity: Dr. Dawson, the gynecologist, attempted to calm Sally who had come about her primeisodophobia in anticipation of her wedding and upcoming marital expectations.

The state of or fact of being excellent, original, and the first in an activity: The primeness of the Olympic athletes was lauded or praised by the press in their home countries.