prime

²prime

adj

Definition of PRIME

1

: first in time : original

2

a : of, relating to, or being a prime number — compare relatively prime b : having no polynomial factors other than itself and no monomial factors other than 1 <a prime polynomial> c : expressed as a product of prime factors (as prime numbers and prime polynomials) <a prime factorization>

3

a : first in rank, authority, or significance : principal <a prime example> b : having the highest quality or value <prime farmland> c : of the highest grade regularly marketed —used of meat and especially beef

4

: not deriving from something else : primary

— prime·ly adverb

— prime·ness noun

Examples of PRIME

1. The wine industry is of prime importance to the California economy.
2. The police have not yet named the prime suspect in the murder investigation.
3. The house is expensive because it's in a prime location.

Origin of PRIME

Middle English, from Anglo-French, feminine of prim first, from Latin primus; akin to Latin prior

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PRIME

Synonyms: chief, commanding, first, foremost, high, lead, leading, preeminent, premier, presiding, primary, head, principal, supereminent, supreme, top

Antonyms: atrocious, awful, execrable, lousy, pathetic, poor, rotten, terrible, vile, wretched

Related Words: high-level, senior; controlling, directing, managing, officiating, overseeing, regnant, reigning, ruling, supervisory; main, major, paramount, predominant, predominate, sovereign (also sovran); ascendant (also ascendent), dominant, grand, superior, topmost, upmost, upper, uppermost

Near Antonyms: ancillary, inferior, last, less, lesser, lower, lowly, second, secondary, subordinate, subsidiary; assistant, assisting, coadjutor, deputy, junior, under

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Business Terms

amortize, caveat emptor, clearinghouse, divest, due diligence, emolument, green-collar, marque, overhead, perquisite