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]