primer
pronunciation
How to pronounce primer in British English:
UK [ˈpraɪmə(r)]
How to pronounce primer in American English:
US [ˈprɪmɚ]
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- Noun:
- an introductory textbook
- any igniter that is used to initiate the burning of a propellant
- the first or preliminary coat of paint or size applied to a surface
Word Origin
- primer (n.3)
- "first layer of dye or paint," 1680s, from prime (v.).
- primer (n.1)
- late 14c., "prayer-book," also "school book" (senses not distinguished in Middle Ages, as reading was taught from prayer books), from Medieval Latin primarius, from Latin primus "first" (see prime (adj.)). The word also might be all or in part from prime (n.) on the same notion as a "Book of Hours." Meaning "small introductory book on any topic" is from 1807.
- primer (n.2)
- "explosive cap," 1819, agent noun from prime (v.).
Example
- 1. In what chinese want , doctoroff presents an invaluable primer on the culture and buying patterns of the chinese .
- 2. For the rest of us , this is a pretty good primer on basic men 's fashion .
- 3. The adhesive flange must be coated thinly and evenly with primer .
- 4. Two components , zinc-rich epoxy-polyamide primer .
- 5. Which I believe is a pretty good primer on gearing up for your first marathon .