\Prim"rose`\, n. [OE. primerole, F. primerole, a
derivative fr. LL. primula, from L. primus first. See
{Prime}, a.] (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.]

\Prim"rose`\, a.
Of or pertaining to the primrose; of the color of a primrose;
-- hence, flowery; gay. ``The primrose path of dalliance.''
--Shak.