Pronunciation

/prɪm/

Definitions

• Noun:
  • A primary or most important quality or characteristic; a leading or outstanding feature. For example: “The prime factor of 15 is 3.”
  • The first in a series or sequence; a principal or chief. For example: “London is the prime minister’s residence.”
  • In mathematics, a prime number is a natural number greater than 1 that has no divisors other than 1 and itself. For example: “2, 3, and 5 are prime numbers.”
• Adjective:
  • Most significant or important; top-ranking. For example: “Prime time is when television ratings are highest.”
  • Directly affecting or producing a result; essential. For example: “Physical exercise is prime for maintaining good health.”
• Verb:
  • To be the best or most suitable choice or candidate for something. For example: “This house is prime location for a family.”
  • To cut or shape (a surface) into a regular pattern, especially with a circular saw. For example: “The carpenter primed the wood before nailing it.”

Phrases

• “Prime number” refers to a specific type of integer.
• “Prime time” refers to the most popular hours for TV viewing.
• “Prime factorization” is the process of breaking down a number into its prime factors.

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The prime factor of 36 is 2 and 3.”
• Adjective: “He chose the prime location for his new business.”
• Verb: “The contractor primed the walls before painting them.”

Synonyms

• Primary
• Chief
• Fundamental
• Essential
• Top-notch
• Key
• Primeval
• Prime-time (as an adjective)