Medical Dictionary
1primary
adj pri·ma·ry \ˈprī-ˌmer-ē, ˈprīm-(ə-)rē\
Medical Definition of PRIMARY
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
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
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