prime

//praɪm//
B2Frequency Level 6Neutral
Visual representation of prime

Adjective

primeCanonical form
1

Of the highest quality or importance; first-rate or excellent

This restaurant is known for its prime beef.

2

Most suitable or ideal for a particular purpose

This is prime location for a new restaurant.

3

Relating to or denoting the period of greatest vigor or success in a person's life

He was in his prime when he won the championship.

Noun

primeSingular
primesPlural
1

The state or time of greatest strength, vigor, or success in a person's life

He was a great athlete in his prime.

2

A prime number; a whole number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself

The number 7 is a prime because it can only be divided by 1 and itself.

3

The first canonical hour of prayer in the Christian Church, traditionally said at the first hour of daylight

The monks gathered in the chapel to recite prime at dawn.

Verb

primeInfinitive
primePresent tense
primedPast tense
primedPast participle
primingPresent participle
primesThird-person singular
1

To prepare someone or something for a particular purpose or situation

The coach primed the team for the championship game.

2

To cover a surface with primer before painting

You need to prime the wall before painting it.

3

To pour liquid into a pump to prepare it for working

You need to prime the pump before it will start working.

Synonym