primrose

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 ]

a. Of or pertaining to the primrose; of the color of a primrose; -- hence, flowery; gay. “The primrose path of dalliance.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]