Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Primrose
Prim′roseˊ
,Noun.
(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
. 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.]
Prim′roseˊ
,Adj.
Of or pertaining to the primrose; of the color of a primrose; – hence, flowery; gay.
“The primrose path of dalliance.” Shak.
Webster 1828 Edition
Primrose
PRIM'ROSE
,Noun.
A plant of the genus Primula, of several varieties, as the white, the red, the yellow flowered, the cowslip, &c. Shakespeare uses the word for gay or flowery; as the primrose way.