pri·ma·ry 1 /'prī-ˌmer-ē, -mə-rē/ adj
1: of first rank, value, or importance
2: belonging to the first group or order in successive divisions, combinations, or ramifications
pri·mar·i·ly /prī-'mer-ə-lē/ adv
primary 2 n pl -ries
1: caucus
2: 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
Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary of Law. Merriam-Webster. 1996.