Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Being at the best stage of development: Of the highest quality or the most active, flourishing period.
   • First in importance, rank, or degree: Chief, principal, or most significant.
   • Of or relating to a prime number: In mathematics, a number divisible only by itself and 1.
   • Original or fundamental: Being the first or earliest stage.

2. Noun:

   • The period of greatest vigor, success, or beauty: The peak or most flourishing stage of life or existence.
   • A prime number: In mathematics, a whole number greater than 1 that cannot be exactly divided by any whole number other than itself and 1.
   • The first canonical hour: In Christian liturgy, a service traditionally held at the first hour of the day (about 6 a.m.).

3. Verb:

   • To prepare something for operation or use: To make ready, especially by supplying with necessary material or information.
   • To apply a primer or undercoat: To cover a surface with a preparatory coat of paint.
   • To insert a primer into an explosive device: To prepare a gun, mine, or charge for firing.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • This is a prime example of excellent craftsmanship.
  • The prime minister addressed the nation.
  • Seven is a prime number.

• Noun:

  • She is in the prime of her career.
  • The number 13 is a prime.
  • The monks gathered for prime.

• Verb:

  • He primed the pump to get the water flowing.
  • You should prime the wood before painting it.
  • The soldier primed the grenade.

Advanced Usage

• "prime the pump": To stimulate growth or activity by investing resources.

  • The government's investment was meant to prime the pump of the economy.

• "prime suspect": The person considered most likely to be guilty of a crime.

  • After the investigation, he became the prime suspect.

• "prime time": The time period when the largest television audience is available.

  • The show airs during prime time.

Variants and Related Words

• Primer (n): A substance used to prepare a surface for painting; an introductory textbook.

  • Use a good primer on the bare metal.
  • She read a primer on economics.

• Primary (adj): Of chief importance; first in order or development.

  • The primary reason for his success is hard work.

• Primacy (n): The state of being first in importance.

  • The primacy of safety is undisputed.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Best, chief, primary, top, first-rate, choice, select.
• Noun: Peak, zenith, height, bloom, culmination.
• Verb: Prepare, ready, equip, brief, coach.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Prime for: To prepare someone or something for a particular situation or task.
  • The coach primed the team for the championship game.

Related Idioms

• In one's prime: At the peak of one's abilities or physical condition.

  • The athlete was unstoppable in his prime.

• Past one's prime: No longer at the peak of one's abilities or physical condition.

  • The boxer was a great champion but is now past his prime.

Adjective

1. being at the best stage of development
   • our manhood's prime vigor- Robert Browning
2. of or relating to or being an integer that cannot be factored into other integers
   • prime number
3. of superior grade
   • choice wines
   • prime beef
   • prize carnations
   • quality paper
   • select peaches
4. used of the first or originating agent
   • prime mover
5. first in rank or degree
   • an architect of premier rank
   • the prime minister

Noun

1. the time of maturity when power and vigor are greatest
2. the second canonical hour; about 6 a.m.
3. the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
4. a number that has no factor but itself and 1

Verb

1. fill with priming liquid
   • prime a car engine
2. cover with a primer; apply a primer to
3. insert a primer into (a gun, mine, or charge) preparatory to detonation or firing
   • prime a cannon
   • prime a mine