from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Primrose \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} ({Primula
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}.
[1913 Webster]
{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 ({Narcissus
biflorus}). [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]