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’.