primitive

  1. Noun.  An original or primary word; a word not derived from another, as opposed to (term, derivative) .
  2. Noun.  (computing, programming) A data type that is built into the programming language, as opposed to more complex structures.
  3. Noun.  A basic geometric shape from which more complex shapes can be constructed.
  4. Noun.  (mathematics) A function whose derivative is a given function; an antiderivative.
  5. Adjective.  Of or pertaining to the beginning or origin, or to early times; original; primordial; primeval; first; as, primitive innocence; the primitive church.
  6. Adjective.  Of or pertaining to a former time; old-fashioned; characterized by simplicity; as, a primitive style of dress.
  7. Adjective.  Original; primary; radical; not derived; as, primitive verb in grammar.
  8. Adjective.  (biology) Occurring in or characteristic of an early stage of development or evolution.

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This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.