Prime Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prime
[praษชm ]
Definitions
mathematics
A natural number greater than 1 that is not a product of two smaller natural numbers.
Synonyms
prime number.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prime |
This term can also be used as a verb to mean preparing something or someone for a particular purpose or activity.
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| prime number |
This is a mathematical term used to describe a number greater than 1 that has no positive divisors other than 1 and itself.
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Examples of usage
- The number 7 is a prime number because it can only be divided by 1 and 7.
- Prime numbers play a crucial role in cryptography.
quality
Of the best quality; excellent.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prime |
Typically used to describe something that is of the highest quality or most important. Often used in formal contexts.
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| top |
Used in casual or informal settings to indicate the best in a category. Also used to describe positions of leadership or rank.
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| first-rate |
Used to describe something of the highest quality, usually in informal or general settings.
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| superior |
Often used when comparing one thing to another, highlighting the higher quality or status. It can sometimes have a connotation of arrogance or condescension.
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Examples of usage
- She was in her prime and at the peak of her career.
- The restaurant is known for serving prime cuts of steak.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- The first prime number is 2, which is also the only even prime number.
- Prime numbers are used in computer encryption to keep your online information safe.
- There are infinitely many prime numbers, meaning no matter how high you count, youโll always find more.
History
- The study of prime numbers dates back to ancient Greeks, with mathematicians like Euclid exploring their properties around 300 BCE.
- In the 17th century, prime numbers were officially represented in algebra by mathematicians like Fermat, expanding their importance in number theory.
- The largest known prime number, as of 2023, has over 24 million digits and was discovered using distributed computing.
Cultural References
- The term 'prime time' refers to the best television hours when most viewers are watching, linking back to the idea of 'prime' as the best.
- In the Star Wars universe, the character 'Prime' could reference leader roles, often denoting someone of the highest importance or ranking.
- The superhero 'Optimus Prime' from Transformers is named to reflect his position as the best leader among the Autobots.
Science
- In biology, 'prime' can refer to an optimal condition, such as during a creature's prime reproductive years.
- The term 'prime' is used in science to indicate the best example of a resource or material before it begins to degrade.
- In genetics, prime factors are crucial in understanding biological processes and are used to describe specific sequences in DNA.
Psychology
- In psychology, the term 'priming' refers to exposing someone to a stimulus that influences their reaction to a subsequent stimulus.
- Prime numbers can evoke curiosity and critical thinking, which are key components in developing problem-solving skills in children.
- Studies have shown that people tend to remember prime numbers more easily due to their uniqueness in sequence and mathematical properties.
Origin of 'prime'
The word 'prime' originated from the Latin word 'primus' meaning 'first'. In English, it has evolved to represent both a mathematical concept and a quality of excellence. The term 'prime number' has been used in mathematics for centuries to refer to a number greater than 1 that is only divisible by 1 and itself. On the other hand, the adjective 'prime' has been associated with top quality or the best of its kind, reflecting superiority and excellence.