primer
noun
- short strand of RNA or DNA that serves as a starting point for DNA synthesis
- preparatory coating put on materials before painting
Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpɹaɪ.mə(ɹ)/ / /ˈpɹaɪmɚ/
adj
Etymology: From Anglo-Norman primer (“first”), from Latin prīmārius (“first”).
- First in time, initial, early.
“the primer English kings”
- First in importance, premier.
- First in position, foremost.
name
Etymology: Unexplained.
- A surname.
noun
Etymology: Etymology tree English prime Proto-Indo-European *-yósder. Proto-Italic *-āzijos Latin -āriusnom. Latin -āriusbor. Proto-Germanic *-ārijaz Proto-West Germanic *-ārī Old English -ere Middle English -ere English -er English primer From prime + -er.
- Any substance or device, such as priming wire or blasting cap, used to ignite gunpowder or other explosive.
“The percussion primer, known as the “ 110-grain percussion primer,” contains an igniting charge of 95 grains of black powder in addition to the essential elements of a percussion primer.”
“Therefore, the shotgun primer is quite self- contained. It consists of a separate metal cup called a battery cup that contains the primer itself. That's why it is considered a two-piece primer.”
- A person who primes explosives.
- A substance used to prime wood, metal, etc. in preparation for painting.
- A layer of such a substance.
- A layer of makeup that goes beneath the foundation; undermakeup.
“The undermakeup (primer) should be allowed to dry-set for 30 seconds. Apply foundation over the primer with a sponge using light, careful strokes to blend. Undermakeups come in cream form, sponge-on wands, or sponge-on cream, and as a lotion.”
- A person who primes wood, metal, etc.
- A molecule which initiates the synthesis of an enzyme, (especially) a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule which initiates DNA replication.
- A pheromone which interacts first with the endocrine system.
- A device used to prime an internal combustion engine with gasoline, (especially) in airplanes.
- A person who prunes trees.