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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
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
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Word History
Etymology
translation of Late Latin prīmus numerus, translation of Greek prôtos arithmós
First Known Use
1570, in the meaning defined above
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
More from Merriam-Webster on prime number
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prime number
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