Prime describes something that's the very best or most important of its kind. A prime example of bravery would be the most perfect, clearest case you could find. The prime location for a lemonade stand might be the corner with the most foot traffic. When something is in its prime, it's at its peak condition, like an athlete in their prime years or fruit at its prime ripeness.

In mathematics, a prime number can only be divided evenly by itself and 1. The number 7 is prime because only 7 × 1 equals 7. But 8 isn't prime because 2 × 4 also equals 8. Prime numbers are fascinating to mathematicians because they're like the building blocks of all other numbers: every number can be made by multiplying prime numbers together. The first few primes are 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, and 13.

To prime something means to prepare it for what comes next. Before painting a wall, you might prime it with a special coating that helps the paint stick better. A coach might prime players before a big game by reviewing strategy. You might prime a pump by adding water so it can start working.