prime

• 形容某事物质量最好、最优秀，或指最重要的、首要的。

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

1. Best or most importantB1formal

   Of the highest quality, excellence, or importance.

   最好的或最重要的

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

   同义词bestchiefchoiceexcellentfirst-classfirst-rateforemostkeyleadingmainprincipalselectsuperiortoptop-quality

   反义词inferiormarginalminornegligiblesecondarysubordinateworst

2. First in time or orderB2formal

   Occurring first in a sequence or time.

   首要的

   • 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.

   同义词firstinitialoriginalprimalprimary

   反义词finallastlatterultimate

3. Excellent conditionB1informal

   In the best possible state or condition.

   最佳状态

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

   同义词choiceexcellentfirst-classfirst-ratemintoptimalpeakpremiumpristineselectsuperbtop

   反义词badinferiormediocrepoorsubstandard

• 指某事物最好的、最优秀的或最重要的部分或阶段，例如力量或成功的巅峰时期。

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.

不可数

1. Best or most important periodB2formal

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

   全盛期

   • 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.

   同义词acmeapexbloomflowergolden ageheightheydaypeakpinnaclezenith

   反义词declinedownturnnadirworst

2. Prime numberB1formalscientific

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

   质数

   • 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.

   反义词composite

3. Symbol for minutes or feetC1formalscientific

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

   角分符号

   • 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.

• 动词，表示为使用或行动做好准备，或使某物进入待用状态，如准备材料、给枪装弹药、给机器加注燃料或启动液等。

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.

   准备好

   • 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.

   同义词briefcoachequipgear uppreparereadyset up

   反义词deactivatedepletedisabledisarmunload

2. Prepare someoneB2formal

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

   预先准备

   • 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.

   同义词alertbriefcoachcuegroominstructprepareready

3. ExplosivesC1formal

   To prepare an explosive device for detonation.

   起爆

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

   同义词armchargeloadprepareset