n. 1 a any plant of the genus Primula, esp. P. vulgaris, bearing pale yellow flowers. b the flower of this. 2 a pale yellow colour. primrose path the pursuit of pleasure, esp. with disastrous consequences (with ref. to Shakesp. Hamlet I. iii. 50).
[ ME primerose, corresp. to OF primerose and med.L prima rosa, lit. first rose: reason for the name unkn. ]