What term is used to describe colors that cannot be created by combining other colors?

The term used to describe colors that cannot be created by combining other colors is primary colors. Primary colors—typically red, blue, and yellow in traditional color theory—serve as the building blocks for creating a wide spectrum of other colors. By mixing these primary colors in various combinations, secondary colors (like green, orange, and purple) and tertiary colors can be produced.

In contrast, secondary colors result from the mixture of primary colors, and tertiary colors arise from combining primary and secondary colors, demonstrating that they are derived rather than fundamental. Analogous colors refer to colors that are next to each other on the color wheel and usually create a serene and comfortable design. Therefore, the primary colors hold a unique status as the foundation of color theory.