Main Entry:

³prime

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

primed; prim·ing

Etymology:

probably from ¹prime

Date:

1513

transitive verb1: fill, load2 a: to prepare for firing by supplying with priming b: to insert a primer into (a cartridge case)3: to apply the first color, coating, or preparation to <prime a wall>4 a: to put into working order by filling or charging with something <prime a pump with water> b: to supply with an essential prerequisite (as a hormone, nucleic acid, or antigen) for chemical or biological activity <primed female mice with estrogen>5: to instruct beforehand : coach <primed the witness>6: stimulateintransitive verb: to become prime

— prime the pump

: to take steps to encourage the growth or functioning of something