n.
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -ries
Date: 1656
1 : something that stands first in rank, importance, or value : FUNDAMENTAL ― usually used in plural
2 : the celestial body around which one or more other celestial bodies revolve especially : the more massive usually brighter component of a binary star system
3 : one of the usually 9 or 10 strong quills on the distal joint of a bird's wing ― see WING illustration
4 a : PRIMARY COLOR b : the sensation of seeing primary colors
5 a : CAUCUS b : an election in which qualified voters nominate or express a preference for a particular candidate or group of candidates for political office, choose party officials, or select delegates for a party convention
6 : the coil that is connected to the source of electricity in an induction coil or transformer ― called also primary coil