prime

Definitions

prime is prīmus 'first' in its purest form. 'First in quality' gives prime beef and prime time; 'first/chief' gives the prime minister and prime suspect; 'the first, best stage' gives 'in one's prime.' A prime number is a 'first,' indivisible number. As a verb, to prime is to make something ready for its first use — prime a pump, prime a canvas.

Why It Means This

Prime is the clearest window into the whole root. Every use is just 'first' viewed from a different angle: first in quality (prime cut), first in rank (prime minister), first in life's arc (in your prime), first/indivisible in math (a prime number). The verb keeps the 'getting ready to start' idea — you prime an engine or a surface before its first proper use, and you can prime someone (give them information beforehand) so they're ready.

Common Collocations

• 1.prime minister总理／首相
• 2.prime time黄金时段
• 3.prime suspect头号嫌疑人
• 4.in one's prime在某人的全盛时期
• 5.prime number质数

Example Sentences

• 1.

  This is prime farmland, perfect for growing wheat.

• 2.

  Reducing costs is our prime objective this year.

• 3.

  At thirty, the athlete was still in her prime.

• 4.

  You need to prime the wall before painting it.