primordial

primordial (praɪˈmɔːdɪəl)

—*adj*
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

—n
4.	an elementary or basic principle

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

primordi'ality

—n

pri'mordially

—*adv*

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

primordial

late 14c., from L.L. primordialis "first of all, original," from L. primordium "the beginning," from primus "first" (see prime (adj.)) + stem of ordiri "to begin" (see order).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage

Medical Dictionary

primordial pri·mor·di·al (prī-môr'dē-əl)
adj.

Being or happening first in sequence of time; primary; original.
Belonging to or characteristic of the earliest stage of development of an organism or a part.
Relating to a primordium.

Example sentences

Wild beasts have always mirrored both our primordial pride and our deepest

fears.

The writer s addition of the word primordial is nothing but a portentous

attempt to pretend to be saying something profound.

If so, this primordial instinct joins a lengthening list of maladaptations to

modern life.

It's a deep, primordial sound that builds to a metallic wail as the power comes

on in a seemingly unending rush.

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germ cell Ginnungagap hemocytoblast mesoblast ooblast original

Matching Quote

"It is impossible to give a clear account of the world, but art can teach us to reproduce it—just as the world reproduces itself in the course of its eternal gyrations. The primordial sea indefatigably repeats the same words and casts up the same astonished beings on the same sea-shore."

-Albert Camus