Primitive
Pronunciation
Origin
From Old French primitif, from Latin primitivus ("first or earliest of its kind"), from primus ("first"); see prime.
Full definition of primitive
Noun
primitive
(plural primitives)- An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to derivative.
- A member of a primitive society.
- A simple-minded person.
- (computing, programming) A data type that is built into the programming language, as opposed to more complex structures.
- A basic geometric shape from which more complex shapes can be constructed.
- (mathematics) A function whose derivative is a given function; an antiderivative.
Related terms
Adjective
primitive
- Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first.primitive innocence; the primitive church
- Of or pertaining to or harking back to a former time; old-fashioned; characterized by simplicity.a primitive style of dress
- 1922, Ben Travers, A Cuckoo in the Nest Chapter 4, By some paradoxical evolution rancour and intolerance have been established in the vanguard of primitive Christianity. Mrs. Spoker, in common with many of the stricter disciples of righteousness, was as inclement in demeanour as she was cadaverous in aspect.
- Crude, obsolete.
- (grammar) Original; primary; radical; not derived.a primitive verb
- (biology) Occurring in or characteristic of an early stage of development or evolution.