Primordial

/prɪˈmɔːr.di.əl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective
existing at or from the beginning of time; primeval.
The primordial forces of nature shaped the landscape over millions of years.
fundamental and essential; basic.
The artist sought to express the primordial emotions that connect all humans.
relating to the earliest stages of development.
The research aimed to understand the primordial cells that form during embryonic development.
original; ancient.
The myths spoke of primordial beings who created the universe.

Etymology

From Latin 'primordialis', from 'primordius' meaning 'first of all'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

primordial ooze
A term referring to the thick, primordial mud believed to give rise to life.
primordial fear
An instinctive fear related to fundamental survival instincts.

Related Words

primordially
In a manner relating to the beginning of time.
primordium
An early stage in the development of an organism or a structure.

Slang Meanings

Something that is fundamentally important or basic.
That principle is primordial in our approach to design.
Referring to very old or ancient things.
Those rocks are so primordial, they're older than anything else around here.