Dictionary
pri•or•i•ty
Pronunciation: (prī-ôr'i-tē, -or'-), [key]—
n.,
—pl. -ties for 2–4.
1. the state or quality of being earlier in time, occurrence, etc.
2. the right to precede others in order, rank, privilege, etc.; precedence.
3. the right to take precedence in obtaining certain supplies, services, facilities, etc., esp. during a shortage.
4. something given special attention.
—
adj.
highest or higher in importance, rank, privilege, etc.:
a priority task. Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.