Prima has 3 different meanings across 2 categories:
Noun
· Adjective
Noun
1
used primarily as eating apples
"The crisp, tart flavor of these gala apples makes them perfect to eat raw rather than use in baking pies."
Adjective
1
indicating the most important performer or role
"the leading man"
"prima ballerina"
"prima donna"
"a star figure skater"
"the starring role"
"a stellar role"
"a stellar performance"
2
most important
"The prima concern in this project is ensuring the safety of all passengers."
Example Sentences
"the leading man"
adjective
"prima ballerina"
adjective
"prima donna"
adjective
"a star figure skater"
adjective
"the starring role"
adjective
"a stellar role"
adjective
"a stellar performance"
adjective
Broader Terms (hypernyms)
Origin
The word comes from the Italian prima, which itself is borrowed directly from the Latin prīma. It retains its original meaning of being first or primary as it entered English usage.