primary source
nounUK /ˈpraɪ.məri sɔːs/
US /ˈpraɪ.mer.i sɔːrs/
A primary source is something made by someone who was there when it happened, like a diary or a photo.
The old letter from the soldier is a primary source about the war.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. In science, a primary source is a report written by the scientists who did the research themselves.
The journal article by the researchers is a primary source for their experiment.
3. In history class, a primary source can be a recording or object from the time being studied.
The museum's old coin is a primary source from ancient Rome.
4. A primary source can also mean the main or most important place something comes from.
The river is the primary source of water for the town.