Prime

/pɹaɪ̯m/ · adjective

Meaning

First in importance, degree, or rank..

Definitions by Sense

1. First in importance, degree, or rank.
2. First in time, order, or sequence.
3. First in excellence, quality, or value.
4. (mathematics, lay) Having exactly two integral factors: itself and unity (1 in the case of integers).
5. (mathematics, technical) Such that if it divides a product, it divides one of the multiplicands.
6. (algebra, of an ideal) Having its complement closed under multiplication.
7. (algebra, of a nonzero module) Such that the annihilator of any nonzero submodule is equal to the annihilator of the whole module.
8. Marked or distinguished by the prime symbol.

Example Sentences

Our prime concern here is to keep the community safe.

Both the English and French governments established prime meridians in their capitals.

I thought it lawful from my forme act, / And the ſame end ; ſtill watching to oppreſs / Iſrael’s oppreſſours : of what now I ſuffer / She was not the prime cauſe, but I my ſelf, / Who vanquiſht with a peal of words (O weakneſs !) / Gave up my fort of ſilence to a Woman.

Better to clear prime forests, heave and thump / A league of street in summer solstice down, / Than hammer at this reverend gentlewoman.

The process of recording a transaction in the accounts begins with an entry in what is termed a book of prime entry.

This is a prime location for a bookstore.

Gemmen (says he), you all well know / The joy there is whene'er we meet; / It's what I call the primest go, / And rightly named, 'tis—'quite a treat,' […]

"Is it very pleasant to be there, Bob?" / "Prime," said the turnkey.

Synonyms for prime

Antonyms for prime

Related Words

Word Forms

• primer
• primest
• primes
• priming
• primed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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