prime1
  
  adj.
   - of first importance; main; primary.
- of the best possible quality; excellent. ▸having all the expected characteristics. ▸most suitable or likely. 
- (of a number) divisible only by itself and one (e.g. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11).
n.
      - a state or time of greatest vigour or success in a person's life. ▸archaic the beginning or earliest period. 
- a prime number.
- Printing  a symbol (') written as a distinguishing mark or to denote minutes or feet.
- Fencing  the first of the eight parrying positions. 
[Fr.]
- a special section in a cycle race.
- Christian Church  a service traditionally said at the first hour of the day (i.e. 6 a.m.), but now little used.
Derivative
  
  Etymology
  OE prīm (n.), from L. prima (hora) ‘first (hour)’, reinforced in ME by OFr. prime, from L. primus ‘first’.
 
  
    
prime2
  
  v.
     - make (something, especially a firearm or bomb) ready for use or action.
- 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. 
- prepare (someone) for a situation, especially by giving instructions or information.
- Biology  & Medicine  induce a susceptibility in.
- cover (a surface) with primer.
Phrase
  
    
      - prime the pump
 stimulate growth or success by supplying money.
 
  Etymology
  C16 (in the sense ‘fill, load’): prob. based on L. primus ‘first’.