primal
primal Lexical Profile
primal Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Essential and fundamental, especially regarding deep-seated human instincts, drives, or emotions.
"A sudden loud noise in the dark triggered a primal fear of the unknown."
Relating to an early stage in evolutionary development; primitive or primeval.
"The explorers ventured deep into the primal forest, untouched by modern civilization."
• noun
A primary, large wholesale cut of meat initially separated from the carcass of an animal during butchering, before being divided into smaller retail cuts.
"The apprentice butcher learned how to break down the beef primals into individual steaks and roasts."
• Rhymes for primal
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Medieval Latin primalis ('primary, first'), which was derived from Latin primus ('first, foremost').
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.