primordial

[prahy-mawr-dee-uhl]

adjective

1. constituting a beginning; giving origin to something derived or developed; original; elementary.

   primordial forms of life.

2. Embryology.,  first formed.

3. pertaining to or existing at or from the very beginning.

   primordial matter.

primordial

/ praɪˈmɔːdɪəl /

adjective

1. existing at or from the beginning; earliest; primeval

2. constituting an origin; fundamental

3. biology of or relating to an early stage of development

   primordial germ cells

noun

1. an elementary or basic principle

Other Word Forms

• primordiality noun
• primordially adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of primordial¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Late Latin prīmōrdiālis of the beginning. See primordium, -al ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of primordial¹

C14: from Late Latin prīmōrdiālis original, from Latin prīmus first + ōrdīrī to begin

Example Sentences

One day, whether through happenstance, the hands on the clock, the phases of the moon, or some secret primordial plan, the moment comes when it is finally ready to sprout.

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The evergreen perennial’s triangular leaves are tipped with spirals, a primordial motif suggesting life’s eternal cycles.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In “Alien: Earth,” humanity is trapped between two existential threats — the primordial forces represented by the franchise’s Xenomorphs, and the still unknown AI of the future.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Its stars may be a refreshing, new sight among a whole lot of primordial fare, but by casting for charm, “Jurassic World Rebirth” unintentionally questions just how much appeal this franchise has left.

Read more on Salon

The figure resembles a yakshi - a powerful primordial nature spirit that can bestow both "abundance and fertility, as well as death and disease" - recognisable through her floral headdress, jewellery and full figure.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• prehistoric 
• primal 
• primeval 
• primitive 
• pristine