prime

/praɪm/

/praɪm/

Other forms: primed; priming; primes; primely

If something is in its prime, it is at its best. The same goes for a person. If you are young and healthy and in the prime of your life, you are ready to take on the world.

Prime often means "main." The prime reason you go to concerts is to see your favorite groups perform. If your mother is angry that you came home late, tell her that this is a prime example of why you need a cell phone — so you can call her. It can also mean "of the highest quality" as in prime beef or flowers. As a verb, prime means to get ready. Hopefully you've primed yourself for your exams. Prime the pump and start the engine!

Definitions of prime

1. adjective

   used of the first or originating agent
   “prime mover”

   synonyms:

   first

   preceding all others in time or space or degree
2. adjective

   first in rank or degree
   “the prime minister”

   synonyms: premier

   first

   preceding all others in time or space or degree
3. adjective

   of superior grade
   “prime beef”

   synonyms: choice, prize, quality, select

   superior

   of high or superior quality or performance
4. adjective

   being at the best stage of development
   “"our manhood's prime vigor"- Robert Browning”

   synonyms: meridian

   mature

   having reached full natural growth or development
5. noun

   the period of greatest prosperity or productivity
   synonyms: bloom, blossom, efflorescence, flower, flush, heyday, peak

   types:

   golden age

   a time period when some activity or skill was at its peak

   type of:

   period, period of time, time period

   an amount of time
6. noun

   the time of maturity when power and vigor are greatest
   synonyms: prime of life

   type of:

   adulthood, maturity

   the period of time in your life after your physical growth has stopped and you are fully developed
7. noun

   a number that has no factor but itself and 1
   synonyms: prime quantity

   types:

   prime number

   an integer that has no integral factors but itself and 1

   type of:

   number

   a concept of quantity involving zero and units
8. adjective

   of or relating to or being an integer that cannot be factored into other integers
   “prime number”
9. verb

   cover with a primer; apply a primer to
   synonyms: ground, undercoat

   type of:

   paint

   apply paint to; coat with paint
10. verb

    insert a primer into (a gun, mine, or charge) preparatory to detonation or firing
    “prime a cannon”

    “prime a mine”

    type of:

    fix, gear up, prepare, ready, set, set up

    make ready or suitable or equip in advance for a particular purpose or for some use, event, etc
11. verb

    fill with priming liquid
    “prime a car engine”

    type of:

    fill, fill up, make full

    make full, also in a metaphorical sense
12. noun

    the second canonical hour; about 6 a.m.
    type of:

    canonical hour

    (Roman Catholic Church) one of seven specified times for prayer