prime

• Décrit quelque chose de la meilleure qualité possible ou de la plus haute importance.

Describes something of the best possible quality or the most important.

1. Best or most importantB1formal

   Of the highest quality, excellence, or importance.

   de premier ordre

   • This is a prime example of modern architecture.
   • She is in her prime years as an athlete.
   • The prime objective is to ensure safety.

   Synonymesbestchiefchoiceexcellentfirst-classfirst-rateforemostkeyleadingmainprincipalselectsuperiortoptop-quality

   Antonymesinferiormarginalminornegligiblesecondarysubordinateworst

2. First in time or orderB2formal

   Occurring first in a sequence or time.

   premier

   • The prime cause of the accident was human error.
   • Prime numbers are divisible only by one and themselves.
   • The prime suspect was arrested last night.

   Synonymesfirstinitialoriginalprimalprimary

   Antonymesfinallastlatterultimate

3. Excellent conditionB1informal

   In the best possible state or condition.

   en parfait état

   • The car is in prime condition despite its age.
   • He keeps his tools in prime shape.
   • The fruit is at its prime ripeness.

   Synonymeschoiceexcellentfirst-classfirst-ratemintoptimalpeakpremiumpristineselectsuperbtop

   Antonymesbadinferiormediocrepoorsubstandard

• Nom désignant la période de meilleure forme, de plus grande force ou de plus grand succès dans la vie d'une personne ou d'une chose, ou l'état de ce qui est à son apogée.

A noun referring to the best, most excellent, or most important part or stage of something, such as the period of greatest strength or success.

indénombrable

1. Best or most important periodB2formal

   The period in life when someone or something is at its best or most successful.

   apogée

   • He was a great athlete in his prime.
   • The company is now in its prime, with record profits.
   • She retired at the prime of her career.

   Synonymesacmeapexbloomflowergolden ageheightheydaypeakpinnaclezenith

   Antonymesdeclinedownturnnadirworst

2. Prime numberB1formalscientific

   A number that is divisible only by itself and 1 (e.g., 2, 3, 5, 7, 11).

   Nombre premier

   • Seven is a prime number because it has no divisors other than 1 and itself.
   • The teacher asked the students to list all primes under 20.
   • Prime numbers are fundamental in number theory.

   Antonymescomposite

3. Symbol for minutes or feetC1formalscientific

   A symbol (′) used to denote minutes of arc or feet in measurement.

   prime (symbole de mesure)

   • The angle was measured as 30 degrees 15 prime.
   • The building is 50 prime tall, meaning 50 feet.
   • In coordinates, the prime symbol indicates minutes.

• Verbe désignant l'action de préparer quelque chose pour une utilisation ou un fonctionnement, ou de le mettre en état de fonctionnement.

A verb used to indicate the act of preparing something for use or action, or making something ready.

1. Prepare for useB2formal

   To prepare something for use or operation, especially by making it ready for a specific function.

   Préparer (à l'emploi)

   • The technician primed the engine before starting it.
   • She primed the canvas with a layer of white paint.
   • You need to prime the pump before it can draw water.

   Synonymesbriefcoachequipgear uppreparereadyset up

   Antonymesdeactivatedepletedisabledisarmunload

2. Prepare someoneB2formal

   To give someone information or training in advance to prepare them for a situation.

   préparer (quelqu'un)

   • The coach primed the team for the championship game.
   • He was primed with all the facts before the interview.
   • The teacher primed the students for the difficult exam.

   Synonymesalertbriefcoachcuegroominstructprepareready

3. ExplosivesC1formal

   To prepare an explosive device for detonation.

   amorcer (un explosif)

   • The soldier primed the grenade before throwing it.
   • They primed the explosives to demolish the building.
   • The bomb was primed and ready to detonate.

   Synonymesarmchargeloadprepareset