Prim"rose` (?), n. [OE. primerole, F. primerole, a derivative fr. LL. primula, from L. primus first. See [Prime], a.] [Botany|Bot.] (a)

An early flowering plant of the genus Primula (P. vulgaris) closely allied to the cowslip. There are several varieties, as the white-, the red-, the yellow-flowered, etc. Formerly called also [primerole], [primerolles].

(b)

Any plant of the genus Primula.

[Evening primrose], an erect biennial herb (Enothera biennis), with yellow vespertine flowers, common in the United States. The name is sometimes extended to other species of the same genus. -- [Primrose peerless], the two-flowered Narcissus (N. biflorus). [Obs.]

© [Webster 1913].

Prim"rose`, a.

Of or pertaining to the primrose; of the color of a primrose; -- hence, flowery; gay.

"The primrose path of dalliance."

Shak.

© [Webster 1913].

Primrose (definition)