prime number

noun

: any integer other than 0 or ± 1 that is not divisible without remainder by any other integers except ± 1 and ± the integer itself

Examples of prime number in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Its strength lies in the difficulty of factoring large prime numbers. Ofer Lidsky, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024 To make a public key, start with two large prime numbers. John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 15 Nov. 2024 If this seems too esoteric, prime numbers are used every time someone uses the internet. David Szondy, New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024 Not all prime numbers work out that way, but the rare ones that do are called Mersenne primes. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prime number 

Word History

Etymology

translation of Late Latin prīmus numerus, translation of Greek prôtos arithmós

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prime number was in 1570

Dictionary Entries Near prime number

Cite this Entry

“Prime number.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prime%20number. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

prime number

noun
: a whole number other than 0 or ±1 that is not divisible without a remainder by any other whole numbers except ±1 and ± itself

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