primer

¹

[ prim-eror, especially British, prahy-mer ]

noun

1. an elementary book for teaching children to read.
2. any book of elementary principles:

   a primer of phonetics.

3. great primer.
4. long primer.

primer

²

[ prahy-mer ]

noun

1. a person or thing that primes.
2. a cap, cylinder, etc., containing a compound that may be exploded by percussion or other means, used for firing a charge of powder.
3. a first coat or layer of paint, size, etc., given to any surface as a base, sealer, or the like.

primer

¹

/ ˈpraɪmə /

noun

1. an introductory text, such as a school textbook
2. printing See long primer great primer

primer

²

/ ˈpraɪmə /

noun

1. a person or thing that primes
2. a device, such as a tube containing explosive, for detonating the main charge in a gun, mine, etc
3. a substance, such as paint, applied to a surface as a base, sealer, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of primer¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Medieval Latin prīmārium, noun use of neuter of prīmārius primary

Origin of primer²

1490–1500; prime (v.) + -er ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of primer¹

C14: via Anglo-Norman from Medieval Latin primārius ( liber ) a first (book), from Latin prīmārius primary

Origin of primer²

C15: see prime (vb)

Example Sentences

As the offseason gets underway for the Dodgers, here’s a primer on where things stand, and the questions they’ll face as defending champions this winter.

From Los Angeles Times

As the offseason gets underway, here’s a primer on where the Dodgers stand, and the questions they’ll face as defending champions this winter.

From Los Angeles Times

In his research, Beyelia found that the primer used to prep the tank when it was completed in October 1952 had an orange tint.

From Los Angeles Times

As she entered one training area, where apprentices learn to install sinks and toilets, she paused and took a deep breath of air redolent with the scent of PVC glue and primer.

From Los Angeles Times

The course ends with a primer on workplace communication, including crafting an effective resume.

From Los Angeles Times