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

There remains a glut of open questions about prime numbers, many of which are long-standing. —Rachel Crowell, Scientific American, 16 June 2025

Large prime numbers have a vital role in many encryption methods in cybersecurity, so every internet user stands to benefit from the search for large prime numbers. —Jeremiah Bartz, The Conversation, 30 May 2025

Edward Brooks, the mathematics genius at the center of Apple TV+’s new thriller Prime Target, isn’t yet aware that his research on prime numbers will lead him down dangerous paths that eventually collide with the National Security Agency. —Rebecca Iannucci, TVLine, 22 Jan. 2025

So, like, there are 25 prime numbers less than 100, turns out. —Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 15 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for prime number

• cumber
• lumber
• slumber
• umber
• encumber
• outnumber
• renumber

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