first-degree

American  

[furst-di-gree] / ˈfɜrst dɪˈgri /

adjective

1. of or relating to the lowest or first in a series.

2. of or relating to the highest or most serious in a series.

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Example Sentences

"Confirming our previous study immune response against bacterial flagellins show strong associations with future risk of Crohn's in healthy first-degree relatives," said Dr. Lee.

From Science Daily

First-degree burns, Akira thought, remembering lessons her father had taught her.

From Literature

Under Oklahoma law, first-degree manslaughter is defined as a homicide that occurs when perpetrated without a "design to effect death" while a person is engaged in the commission of a misdemeanor.

From BBC

Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Friday that prosecutors plan to charge Lakanwal with first-degree murder over the death of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom.

From The Wall Street Journal

While initially convicted of first-degree murder in Worden’s death, he was eventually declared not guilty by reason of insanity — diagnosed as schizophrenic — and was institutionalized until his death due to complications from cancer in 1984.

From Los Angeles Times