prime

prime is part of the Academic Word List. It is important for students in college and university.

Pronunciation

• enPR: prīm
• IPA: /praɪm/
• SAMPA: /praIm/

Adjective

Positive prime

Comparative none

Superlative none

1. (usually before the noun) If something is prime, it is best, most important, most suitable, or in some way number one.

   Canada is a prime example of a multicultural country.

   He was the prime suspect in the murder investigation.

Synonyms

• main

See also

• prime minister
• prime number

Noun

Singular prime

Plural primes

1. (countable) The prime is the best part of something.

   He was killed at the prime of his life.

2. (countable) A prime is a prime number.
3. (countable) A prime is something that primes something else.

Verb

Plain form prime

Third-person singular primes

Past tense primed

Past participle primed

Present participle priming

1. (transitive) If you prime something, you get it ready to do something.

   The coach has primed them for the game.

Synonyms

• prepare