What is the meaning of the word primeval as used in the passage? Use the antonym modern as a context clue to help you determine ; the meaning. Apples have been genetically modified by humans for thousands of years, and in the process , many genes responsible for disease resistance have been lost.. Thankfully , the primeval ancestors of our modern apples are still around . Scientists are hoping that genes from these ancestors can be used to help apple species survive changing environmental conditions. ancient endangered obsolete