Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » primer

primer

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a primer is a coating that is applied to prepare a surface before the actual paint color is applied, or a textbook that is given to students to help them learn how to read.

(noun)

A sizing that is applied to a wall to prepare the surface for paint is an example of a primer.
A book that has very simple and easy words and sentences (like "See Jane run.") designed to help a child learn to read is an example of a primer.

See primer in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a simple book for teaching reading to beginners
a textbook giving the first principles of any subject

Origin: ME prymer < ML primarius < L primus, first: see prime

noun

a person or thing that primes; specif.,

a small cap, tube, etc. containing an explosive, used to set off a main charge
paint, sizing, etc. used as a preparatory coating on a raw surface

See primer in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An elementary textbook for teaching children to read.
A book that covers the basic elements of a subject.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English, devotional manual

Origin: , from Norman French

Origin: , from Medieval Latin prīmārium

Origin: , from neuter of prīmārius, first

Origin: , from Latin

Origin: , from prīmus; see Prime

noun

A cap or tube containing a small amount of explosive used to detonate the main explosive charge of a firearm or mine.
An undercoat of paint or size applied to prepare a surface, as for painting.
Genetics A segment of DNA or RNA that is complementary to a given DNA sequence and that is needed to initiate replication by DNA polymerase.

Learn more about primer

primer synonyms

primer medical definition

primer in a sentence

link/cite print suggestion box