priming

[ prahy-ming ]

noun

1. the powder or other material used to ignite a charge.
2. the act of a person or thing that primes.
3. material used as a primer, prime, or a first coat or layer of paint, size, etc.

priming

/ ˈpraɪmɪŋ /

noun

1. something used to prime
2. a substance, used to ignite an explosive charge

Other Words From

• self-priming adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of priming¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; prime + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

How much faster someone responds is a measure of their semantic priming.

From Nautilus

The first shot acts as a priming dose for the immune system and is not believed to offer much protection on its own.

From Washington Post

When fathers hold and play with their children, oxytocin and prolactin kick in, priming them for bonding.

From The Daily Beast

And, of course, there was the infamous statement that Ben Bernanke would be committing “treason” by priming the economy.

From The Daily Beast

A certain amount of Keynesian pump-priming, of the right sort, won't do any harm—but it probably won-t do much good either.

From The Daily Beast

A certain amount of Keynesian pump-priming, of the right sort, won't do any harm - but it probably won't do much good either.

From The Daily Beast

The gun was self-priming and self-cocking; the powder charge was enclosed in a copper case.

From Project Gutenberg

I looked to the priming of my pistols, and embarked very tranquilly on the evening of the 12th of July.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no water in the cabin, and the sweat from our hands would spoil a priming unless care was taken.

From Project Gutenberg

Hastily priming the tube, I whipped on a cap, then beckoned to old Trull.

From Project Gutenberg

Cook wished to fire his musket, but the priming would not go off.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• conference
• discussion
• information
• instruction
• meeting
• update