1. people belonging to a preliterate, nonindustrial society or culture
Usage: anthropological term, sometimes considered outdated
2. basic geometric shapes or simple elements used as building blocks in computer graphics or programming
Usage: computing; technical
3. artists who work in a simple, unsophisticated style, often self-taught
Usage: art

Examples

• The anthropologist studied the customs of various primitives in the Amazon.
• The graphics engine renders complex scenes using simple primitives like triangles and lines.
• The art gallery featured works by American primitives from the 19th century.
• In programming, integers and strings are common primitives.
• The museum’s collection includes paintings by folk primitives.
• The 3D modeling software allows users to combine basic primitives into complex shapes.
• Mathematical primitives form the foundation of more advanced concepts.