Prime: meaning, definitions and examples

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prime

 

[ praɪm ]

Noun / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A natural number greater than 1 that is not a product of two smaller natural numbers.

Synonyms

prime number

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.
Context #2 | Adjective

quality

Of the best quality; excellent.

Synonyms

first-rate, superior, top

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

Translations of the word "prime" in other languages:

🇵🇹 primeiro

🇮🇳 प्राइम

🇩🇪 erste

🇮🇩 utama

🇺🇦 перший

🇵🇱 pierwszy

🇯🇵 プライム

🇫🇷 premier

🇪🇸 primero

🇹🇷 birinci

🇰🇷 첫 번째

🇸🇦 أولي

🇨🇿 první

🇸🇰 prvý

🇨🇳 第一

🇸🇮 prvi

🇮🇸 fyrstur

🇰🇿 бірінші

🇬🇪 პირველი

🇦🇿 birinci

🇲🇽 primero

Etymology

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.

See also: primacy, primate, primer, primitive.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,296, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.