noun.
The golden number: so called because it shows the prime of the moon.
noun.
The grade next below the finest variety of a fleece of merino wool.
To occur or come in advance of others: thus, flood-tide lags between new moon and full moon, but primes between full and new.
To have precedence, as one claim over another.
In tobacco-growing: To gather the ripe lower leaves from: said of the plant.
To gather as ripe: said of leaves.
To gather later instalments of (leaves). See priming, 5.
To be as at first; be renewed.
To insert a primer or priming-powder into the vent of a gun before firing.
In the steam-engine, to carry over hot water with the steam from the boiler into the cylinder: as, the engine primes. See primage, 2.
To perform the prime or first operation upon or with; prepare.
To cover with a ground or first color or coat in painting or plastering.
To put in a fit state to act or endure; make ready; especially, to instruct or prepare (a person) beforehand in what he is to say or do; “post”: as, to prime a person with a speech; to prime a witness.
To trim or prune.
First in order of time; primitive; original: as, the prime cost.
First in rank, degree, or importance; principal; chief: as, prime minister.
Of the first excellence, value, or importance; first-rate; capital: as, prime wheat; prime quality; a prime joint of meat.
Relating to the period or the condition of early manhood and vigor; being in the best or most vigorous time of life. See prime, n., 3.
Ready; eager; bold.
Fierce; strong.
In mathematics, indivisible without a remainder, except by unity; incapable of being separated into simpler factors.
A machine which receives and modifies force as supplied by some natural source, as a water-wheel or a steam-engine.
2 and Chief, principal, best.
noun.
The first period; the earliest stage or beginning; specifically, spring.