~ 1
■ adjective
1》 of first importance; main; primary.
2》 of the best possible quality; excellent.
↘having all the expected characteristics.
↘most suitable or likely.
3》 (of a number) divisible only by itself and one (e.g. 2, 3, 5, 7, 11).
■ noun
1》 a state or time of greatest vigour or success in a person's life.
↘ archaic the beginning or earliest period.
2》 a ~ number.
3》 Printing a symbol (ʻ) written as a distinguishing mark or to denote minutes or feet.
4》 Fencing the first of the eight parrying positions. [Fr.]
5》 a special section in a cycle race.
6》 Christian Church a service traditionally said at the first hour of the day (i.e. 6 a.m.), but now little used.
Derivatives
~ness noun
Origin
OE prīm (n.), from L. prima (hora) 'first (hour)', reinforced in ME by OFr. ~ , from L. primus 'first'.
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~ 2
■ verb
1》 make (something, especially a firearm or bomb) ready for use or action.
2》 pour or spray liquid into (a pump) to facilitate its working.
↘inject extra fuel into (an engine) to facilitate starting.
↘(of a boiler) produce steam mixed with water.
3》 prepare (someone) for a situation, especially by giving instructions or information.
4》 Biology & Medicine induce a susceptibility in.
5》 cover (a surface) with ~r.
Phrases
~ the pump stimulate growth or success by supplying money.
Origin
C16 (in the sense 'fill, load'): prob. based on L. primus 'first'.