first-order
adjectiveUK /ˌfɜːst ˈɔːdə/
US /ˌfɜːrst ˈɔːrdər/
The most basic or main level of something.
The first-order goal is to make sure everyone is safe.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In math and logic, using only simple statements and their direct connections.
The class learned first-order logic before moving on to harder topics.
3. In science, changing at a steady rate that depends on just one thing.
The medicine leaves the body in a first-order process.
4. The most important or earliest level in a series of steps.
They fixed the first-order problems before worrying about small details.