Meaning & Definition of Prime in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Pertaining to the first or earliest in time or sequence.

  Example Sentence: He was the prime suspect in the case.

• Definition: Of first importance; main.

  Example Sentence: Education is a prime concern for the community.

• Definition: A prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that cannot be formed by multiplying two smaller natural numbers.

  Example Sentence: Seven is a prime number.

• Definition: To prepare or make ready for a particular purpose.

  Example Sentence: They need to prime the engine before starting it.

• Definition: To indicate or to set a condition for.

  Example Sentence: The teacher's explanation primed the students for the test.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English, from Latin 'primus' meaning 'first'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• prime time: The time period during which the largest audience is expected for broadcasting.
• prime example: An excellent or typical example of something.
• in prime: In excellent or ideal condition.

Translations

• Spanish: primer

• French: prime

• German: erstklassig

• Russian: первичный

Related Words

• primary: Of chief importance; principal.

• primal: Relating to an early stage in evolutionary development.

Slang Meanings of prime

• Meaning: To be in excellent or top condition.

  Example Sentence: He's in his prime right now on the basketball court.

• Meaning: To prepare someone for something important.

  Example Sentence: I'm just priming him for the big presentation.