primitive

Definition

• n. a person who belongs to an early stage of civilization
• n. a mathematical expression from which another expression is derived
• n. a word serving as the basis for inflected or derived forms
• adj. used of preliterate or tribal or nonindustrial societies

Word forms

Plural

primitives

Example sentences

1. n.

   The museum displayed tools used by primitive people thousands of years ago.

2. a.

   The cave paintings are considered to be primitive art from ancient times.

3. [计]

   In computer graphics, a primitive shape like a triangle is often used to build complex models.