What is the Latin meaning of 'primates'?

The Word 'primate' comes into the English language by way of the Latin. The original Word in the ancient, classical Latin language is 'primas'. The genitive form is 'primatis'. The Word is an adjective, and means first. Indeed, the Primates are considered the highest order of mammals, and include not only humans but also apes, lemurs, and monkeys.