prime1
¦ adjective
1. of first importance; main; primary.
2. of the best possible quality; excellent.
having all the expected characteristics.
most suitable or likely.
3. (of a number) divisible only by itself and one (e.g. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11).
¦ noun
1. a state or time of greatest vigour or success in a person's life.
archaic the beginning or earliest period.
2. a prime number.
3. Printing a symbol (?) written as a distinguishing mark or to denote minutes or feet.
4. Fencing the first of the eight parrying positions. [Fr.]
5. a special section in a cycle race.
6. Christian Church a service traditionally said at the first hour of the day (i.e. 6 a.m.), but now little used.
Derivatives
primeness noun
Origin
OE prim (n.), from L. prima (hora) 'first (hour)', reinforced in ME by OFr. prime, from L. primus 'first'.
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prime2
¦ verb
1. make (something, especially a firearm or bomb) ready for use or action.
2. pour or spray liquid into (a pump) to facilitate its working.
inject extra fuel into (an engine) to facilitate starting.
(of a boiler) produce steam mixed with water.
3. prepare (someone) for a situation, especially by giving instructions or information.
4. Biology & Medicine induce a susceptibility in.
5. cover (a surface) with primer.
Phrases
prime the pump stimulate growth or success by supplying money.
Origin
C16 (in the sense 'fill, load'): prob. based on L. primus 'first'.